Hiring Manager Essentials
Next
Hiring Manager Essentials
Bias is Human, Fairness is our Choice
Hiring Manager Essentials is a three part E-learning that will ensure you have the skillset and toolkit to make hiring decision with confidence.
Why is this Important?
Understanding Biases and Protected Characteristcis: - What is a Bias?
- How does it form and its impact?
- Models to prevent and manage
- Protected Characteristics
The Hiring Manager Journey and Using Lever: - The role and responsibilites of a HM
- How and when to use Lever
How to use ACT to ace interviews and feedback: - The ACT model in practice
- Top Tips for conducting Interviews
- How to deliver good and bad news
Click here
Use this side of the card to provide more information about a topic. Focus on one concept. Make learning and communication more efficient.
Use this side of the card to provide more information about a topic. Focus on one concept. Make learning and communication more efficient.
Use this side of the card to provide more information about a topic. Focus on one concept. Make learning and communication more efficient.
Understanding Biases and Protected Characteristcis
The Hiring Manager Journey and Using Lever
How to use ACT to ace Interviews and Feedback
Title
Title
Title
Write a brief description here
Write a brief description here
Write a brief description here
Tap to learn more.
Tap to learn more.
Tap to learn more.
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Hiring Manager Essentials
What is a Bias
When we take in the world through 5 Senses, our brain has to filter the information fast using shortcuts. These shortcuts become our beliefs which can be either deep (core) or shallow (casual).
Shortcuts + Beliefs = Bias
Our brains filter this information fast, using mental shortcuts
We take in the world through 5 senses
Shortcuts can be Implicit (Automatic/unconcious) or Explicit (rooted in beliefs or cultural norms)
Next
Hiring Manager Essentials
Bias is Natural, Fairness it's impact is our Choice
What is the Impact of our Bias, if these go unchecked what behaviour can it enable?
Why might Bias undermine agency?
Find out more
Human agency
When fairness is compromised, it can damage trust and undermine human agency. From childhood we instinctively understand what’s fair and unfair, even young children protest when rewards are unequal. This bias towards fairness shapes how candidates expect to be treated - equally, transparently and with respect. When fairness is compromised it damages trust, undermines motivation, and erodes engagement. People disengage when they sense unfairness, which is why fair hiring practices and experiences are essential for building trust and retaining talent.
Economic Crime
The 4 Pillars of Human Agency
Bias threatens 4 pillars of a great workplace. To maintain candidates' trust we must ensure their Human Agency is prioritised. The foundations of Human Agendy can be broken down into 4 key pillars
Fairness: Equal treatment and transparency
Freedom of Choice: Autonomy matters, nobody wants to feel forced
Individuality: Room to be yourself - don't hang your personality up at the door!
Involvement: People Back what they help build - our mission in the big green dent
Hiring Manager Essentials
Protected Characteristics
However it is vital to note, ontop of Human Agency , all candidates in the hiring process have Protected Charactertistics. Protected Characteristics means you have a right to not be treat less favorably, or subjected to an unfair disadvantge, by reason of that characteristic
Use this side of the card to provide more information about a topic. Focus on one concept. Make learning and communication more efficient.
Use this side of the card to provide more information about a topic. Focus on one concept. Make learning and communication more efficient.
Use this side of the card to provide more information about a topic. Focus on one concept. Make learning and communication more efficient.
Use this side of the card to provide more information about a topic. Focus on one concept. Make learning and communication more efficient.
Use this side of the card to provide more information about a topic. Focus on one concept. Make learning and communication more efficient.
Use this side of the card to provide more information about a topic. Focus on one concept. Make learning and communication more efficient.
Use this side of the card to provide more information about a topic. Focus on one concept. Make learning and communication more efficient.
Use this side of the card to provide more information about a topic. Focus on one concept. Make learning and communication more efficient.
Use this side of the card to provide more information about a topic. Focus on one concept. Make learning and communication more efficient.
Use this side of the card to provide more information about a topic. Focus on one concept. Make learning and communication more efficient.
Use this side of the card to provide more information about a topic. Focus on one concept. Make learning and communication more efficient.
Sexual Orientation
Marital Status
Age
Family Status
Race
Religion
Disability
Gender
Community
Protected Characteristics
Title
Write a brief description here
Hiring Manager Essentials
3 Models to Help Reduce Bias
In order to ensure we maintain both Protected Characteristics and Human Agency there are 3 model we can use to hold ourselves accountable.
Why is this Important?
Click here
Next
Hiring Manager Essentials
Common Bias Pitfalls
Common Bias Pitfalls
There are some common pitfalls that can trip people up… especially in the hiring process!
Bias blind Spot It’s easier to see bias in others
Self serving bias Attributing one’s failures externally but one’s successes internally
Halo/horn effect One trait colours everything
Fundamental attribution error Overvaluing personality, undervaluing context
Primacy effect The order information is presented influences the interpretation
Better than average Overestimating our own objectivity or accuracy
Peak end rule We remember the most recent or final moments most vividly
False Consensus We assume our motivations are shared when they may not be
Wishful seeing We see what we want
Frequency illusion Notice it once, see it everywhere
Next
Hiring Manager Essentials
Assess
The ACT Model
Assess Am I Rushing or relying too much on a gut feeling?
The ACT model is a linear framework which remind yous to challenge your intial assumptions and views to ensure you decision are fair and pitfalls are addressed.
Check Are old assumptions steering my decision here?
Think Have I airy considered other views
ACT: A simple Bias Check
Think
Check
Next
Hiring Manager Essentials
Red Sneaker Effect
The ‘Red Sneakers Effect’ is when someone breaks social rules on purpose, like wearing red sneakers to a fancy event and people see them as more important or confident because of it. This usually happens in places where the rules about how to act or dress are very clear.
It’s very important to consider and recognise where this might come up in all our interview process.
Hiring Manager Essentials
Kaleidoscope Career Model
The Kaleidoscope Career Model (KCM) is a framework that explains how people’s career priorities shift at different stages of life, much like turning a kaleidoscope changes the pattern you see. Sometimes you focus more on growing if you’re perhaps at the peak of your career (Challenge),or sometimes needing more balance due to family commitments (Balance), and sometimes on just being true to yourself which falls under authenticity.
Our career priorities shift
- Authenticity - true to values
- Balance - life & work in harmony
- Challenge - growth and learning
One size never fits all… let’s make space for each person’s blend
Hiring Manager Essentials
Equality: Treating everyone the same way, with the same opportunities and resources, regardless of their individual differences. Analogy: Giving everyone the same size box to stand on, regardless of their height, to see over a fence. Equity: Providing individuals with the specific support and resources they need to have a fair chance at success. Analogy: Giving each person a box of a different size, tailored to their height, so everyone can see over the fence equally.
What is the difference Equality and Equity?
Barriers and Systems
Despite increasing our slef-awareness of our own bias it is also important to note that bias can come from:
- Individuals - our own shortcuts & assumptions.
- Structures - old systems not built for today.
Together, they block equity. Equality ≠ Equity. Some need more support for an equal start.
Hiring Manager Essentials
Bias isHuman, Fairness is our Choice
Through applying the practical applications of of acknowledging our bias, limitations of systems and applying the 3 practical models we aim to ensure our hiring process give:
- Clear criteria, guide choices
- Diverse voices are heard
- Challenge is welcomed
- Feedback is used, not ignored
- We pause and question our gut
Why is this Important?
Click here
This is a core talent goal and we’ve committed as a talent team - at Octopus this should be a core focus throughout recruitment.
- We believe in building better - for our people and customers
- This is about everyday choices and building a fairer system in recruitment and get rid of those barriers
- Our goal is to continue creating farierer hiring processes for more diverse voices, fairer growth and belonging for our people.
Next
What to Action now?
What bias pitfall you’ll watch out for? How could you challenge bias better in the hiring process? What systems do we need to constantly think about redesigning/evolving in recruitment? Bias is human, fairness is our choice
Why this matters wherever you work
At Octopus our core talent goal is ensuring that our industry represents the world that we live in. This committment is a core focus throughout recruitment. We believe in building better - for our people and customers This is about everyday choices and building a fairer system in recruitment. Our goal is to continue creating farierer hiring processes for more diverse voices, fairer growth and belonging for our people.
Hiring Manager Essentials
Leanne Hamley
Created on November 5, 2025
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Transcript
Hiring Manager Essentials
Next
Hiring Manager Essentials
Bias is Human, Fairness is our Choice
Hiring Manager Essentials is a three part E-learning that will ensure you have the skillset and toolkit to make hiring decision with confidence.
Why is this Important?
Understanding Biases and Protected Characteristcis:- What is a Bias?
- How does it form and its impact?
- Models to prevent and manage
- Protected Characteristics
The Hiring Manager Journey and Using Lever:- The role and responsibilites of a HM
- How and when to use Lever
How to use ACT to ace interviews and feedback:- The ACT model in practice
- Top Tips for conducting Interviews
- How to deliver good and bad news
Click here
Use this side of the card to provide more information about a topic. Focus on one concept. Make learning and communication more efficient.
Use this side of the card to provide more information about a topic. Focus on one concept. Make learning and communication more efficient.
Use this side of the card to provide more information about a topic. Focus on one concept. Make learning and communication more efficient.
Understanding Biases and Protected Characteristcis
The Hiring Manager Journey and Using Lever
How to use ACT to ace Interviews and Feedback
Title
Title
Title
Write a brief description here
Write a brief description here
Write a brief description here
Tap to learn more.
Tap to learn more.
Tap to learn more.
Next
Hiring Manager Essentials
What is a Bias
When we take in the world through 5 Senses, our brain has to filter the information fast using shortcuts. These shortcuts become our beliefs which can be either deep (core) or shallow (casual).
Shortcuts + Beliefs = Bias
Our brains filter this information fast, using mental shortcuts
We take in the world through 5 senses
Shortcuts can be Implicit (Automatic/unconcious) or Explicit (rooted in beliefs or cultural norms)
Next
Hiring Manager Essentials
Bias is Natural, Fairness it's impact is our Choice
What is the Impact of our Bias, if these go unchecked what behaviour can it enable?
Why might Bias undermine agency?
Find out more
Human agency
When fairness is compromised, it can damage trust and undermine human agency. From childhood we instinctively understand what’s fair and unfair, even young children protest when rewards are unequal. This bias towards fairness shapes how candidates expect to be treated - equally, transparently and with respect. When fairness is compromised it damages trust, undermines motivation, and erodes engagement. People disengage when they sense unfairness, which is why fair hiring practices and experiences are essential for building trust and retaining talent.
Economic Crime
The 4 Pillars of Human Agency
Bias threatens 4 pillars of a great workplace. To maintain candidates' trust we must ensure their Human Agency is prioritised. The foundations of Human Agendy can be broken down into 4 key pillars
Fairness: Equal treatment and transparency
Freedom of Choice: Autonomy matters, nobody wants to feel forced
Individuality: Room to be yourself - don't hang your personality up at the door!
Involvement: People Back what they help build - our mission in the big green dent
Hiring Manager Essentials
Protected Characteristics
However it is vital to note, ontop of Human Agency , all candidates in the hiring process have Protected Charactertistics. Protected Characteristics means you have a right to not be treat less favorably, or subjected to an unfair disadvantge, by reason of that characteristic
Use this side of the card to provide more information about a topic. Focus on one concept. Make learning and communication more efficient.
Use this side of the card to provide more information about a topic. Focus on one concept. Make learning and communication more efficient.
Use this side of the card to provide more information about a topic. Focus on one concept. Make learning and communication more efficient.
Use this side of the card to provide more information about a topic. Focus on one concept. Make learning and communication more efficient.
Use this side of the card to provide more information about a topic. Focus on one concept. Make learning and communication more efficient.
Use this side of the card to provide more information about a topic. Focus on one concept. Make learning and communication more efficient.
Use this side of the card to provide more information about a topic. Focus on one concept. Make learning and communication more efficient.
Use this side of the card to provide more information about a topic. Focus on one concept. Make learning and communication more efficient.
Use this side of the card to provide more information about a topic. Focus on one concept. Make learning and communication more efficient.
Use this side of the card to provide more information about a topic. Focus on one concept. Make learning and communication more efficient.
Use this side of the card to provide more information about a topic. Focus on one concept. Make learning and communication more efficient.
Sexual Orientation
Marital Status
Age
Family Status
Race
Religion
Disability
Gender
Community
Protected Characteristics
Title
Write a brief description here
Hiring Manager Essentials
3 Models to Help Reduce Bias
In order to ensure we maintain both Protected Characteristics and Human Agency there are 3 model we can use to hold ourselves accountable.
Why is this Important?
Click here
Next
Hiring Manager Essentials
Common Bias Pitfalls
Common Bias Pitfalls
There are some common pitfalls that can trip people up… especially in the hiring process!
Bias blind Spot It’s easier to see bias in others
Self serving bias Attributing one’s failures externally but one’s successes internally
Halo/horn effect One trait colours everything
Fundamental attribution error Overvaluing personality, undervaluing context
Primacy effect The order information is presented influences the interpretation
Better than average Overestimating our own objectivity or accuracy
Peak end rule We remember the most recent or final moments most vividly
False Consensus We assume our motivations are shared when they may not be
Wishful seeing We see what we want
Frequency illusion Notice it once, see it everywhere
Next
Hiring Manager Essentials
Assess
The ACT Model
Assess Am I Rushing or relying too much on a gut feeling?
The ACT model is a linear framework which remind yous to challenge your intial assumptions and views to ensure you decision are fair and pitfalls are addressed.
Check Are old assumptions steering my decision here?
Think Have I airy considered other views
ACT: A simple Bias Check
Think
Check
Next
Hiring Manager Essentials
Red Sneaker Effect
The ‘Red Sneakers Effect’ is when someone breaks social rules on purpose, like wearing red sneakers to a fancy event and people see them as more important or confident because of it. This usually happens in places where the rules about how to act or dress are very clear.
It’s very important to consider and recognise where this might come up in all our interview process.
Hiring Manager Essentials
Kaleidoscope Career Model
The Kaleidoscope Career Model (KCM) is a framework that explains how people’s career priorities shift at different stages of life, much like turning a kaleidoscope changes the pattern you see. Sometimes you focus more on growing if you’re perhaps at the peak of your career (Challenge),or sometimes needing more balance due to family commitments (Balance), and sometimes on just being true to yourself which falls under authenticity.
Our career priorities shift
- Authenticity - true to values
- Balance - life & work in harmony
- Challenge - growth and learning
One size never fits all… let’s make space for each person’s blendHiring Manager Essentials
Equality: Treating everyone the same way, with the same opportunities and resources, regardless of their individual differences. Analogy: Giving everyone the same size box to stand on, regardless of their height, to see over a fence. Equity: Providing individuals with the specific support and resources they need to have a fair chance at success. Analogy: Giving each person a box of a different size, tailored to their height, so everyone can see over the fence equally.
What is the difference Equality and Equity?
Barriers and Systems
Despite increasing our slef-awareness of our own bias it is also important to note that bias can come from:
- Individuals - our own shortcuts & assumptions.
- Structures - old systems not built for today.
Together, they block equity. Equality ≠ Equity. Some need more support for an equal start.Hiring Manager Essentials
Bias isHuman, Fairness is our Choice
Through applying the practical applications of of acknowledging our bias, limitations of systems and applying the 3 practical models we aim to ensure our hiring process give:
Why is this Important?
Click here
This is a core talent goal and we’ve committed as a talent team - at Octopus this should be a core focus throughout recruitment.
Next
What to Action now?
What bias pitfall you’ll watch out for? How could you challenge bias better in the hiring process? What systems do we need to constantly think about redesigning/evolving in recruitment? Bias is human, fairness is our choice
Why this matters wherever you work
At Octopus our core talent goal is ensuring that our industry represents the world that we live in. This committment is a core focus throughout recruitment. We believe in building better - for our people and customers This is about everyday choices and building a fairer system in recruitment. Our goal is to continue creating farierer hiring processes for more diverse voices, fairer growth and belonging for our people.