Date of Award

5-2026

Degree Type

Thesis

Degree Name

Honors Thesis

First Advisor

Margaret Padgett

Second Advisor

Kathy Paulson Gjerde

Abstract

The information included on a resume is a key indicator of a person’s qualifications and experience that will help them succeed at a job. Defining characteristics like a person’s race, ethnicity, gender, or religion are often conveyed through subtle cues on a resume. These subtle cues have the ability to induce unconscious biases that can result in discrimination throughout the hiring process. In contrast to prior research, which has primarily used names and photographs as cues for conveying membership in a protected group, this study examined cues conveyed through the affiliations and activities presented on a resume. A survey containing a fictitious resume was distributed to individuals with experience in hiring practices to assess their opinions about the candidate. Participants received one of four resumes that were identical except for the religion of the applicant, which was conveyed through the applicant’s involvement in organizations and activities of a religious nature. Three religions (Catholic, Jewish, and Muslim) plus a control condition (no religion) were compared. After reviewing the resume, participants assessed the likeability, competence, and hireability of the applicant. Results revealed that the religiosity of the participant interacted with the applicant’s religion as conveyed through resume cues to influence perceptions of the applicant’s competence and hireability.

Download

Included in

Business Commons

Share

COinS