光环效应的一个实例 An example about Halo Effect

I had applied for the human resource manager in ABC Company and I went to this company to have an interview on XXX (date, omitted). When I drove around the factory, its large factory area and magnificent building impressed me deeply. I arrived at the gate, parked the car, approached to the guardess, who gave me a warm smile and kind guidance. Walking along the tidy way in the factory accompanied by guardess, I noticed there are trees, big stones carved with corporate values, and artificial hills on both sides. When I got to the gate of the main office building, I found the recruitment clerk had already been there to welcome me.

All of these delighted me and gave me a good primary impression. “This company must have a good corporate culture and excellent working behavior codes.” I thought.

The whole interviewing process was relaxing and interesting. The interviewer, a female VP, said，“I recognize your capability and experience, so I believe you can contribute the HR management improvement for the company. However, I am sorry that we can’t manage to provide a competitive salary package for this position because we are in traditional household appliance field and are facing intense marketing competition right now. Anyway, I hope you can succeed with the company together.”

She added that I wouldn’t need to work as hard as before because the staff is stable and the annual turnover rate is less than 10%.  She took herself as an example, “I have been working here for over 17 years, and there are many who work longer than me”.  Finally, she said, “You don’t need to make decision promptly! Please go back to think about it carefully with your family. If you have any concern, please contact my WeChat number directly.”

I decided to accept their offer even though I am not so satisfied with the salary and there are only 8 team members in HR department. I started to work there on ***(date, omitted ). Gradually, I find its superficial corporate culture does no good, its management policy is confusing and the boss is arbitrary. The most unbearable thing is that they are not willing to accept any modern HR management methods, such as performance assessment, but only use it to disqualify employees. Besides, less than 10% turnover is just a cheat. In fact, more than 50% middle and high level executives left last year. There are more I don’t want to mention.

I resigned and left this company several days ago.

This experience makes me reflect why I made such a wrong choice as a HR veteran: the Halo effect of the primary impression made me confused and lose my acumen of judgement. Corporate culture, courtesy, and standardized programs are among what I consider very important to be in a good company. When I was lead to see the false appearance of these aspects, I doomed to neglect other shortcomings. And at that time I was tired after driving for 2 hours. Tiredness influenced my judgement and I tended to jump to conclusion.

What a pity! I wasted my time and other opportunities.