fbpx
Using I-O Psychology For Better Hiring
Using I-O Psychology For Better Hiring

i-o psychology members, SIOPI’ve often heard the expression “people are too quick to hire and too slow to fire …” but in practice, most hiring still remains way too quick. Given what’s at stake I’m surprised. This does, however, provide a chance to put the power of Industrial / Organizational or I-O Psychology — sometimes called work or business psychology — to good use.

 

Hidden Costs of a Bad Hire

When you drill down and think about the costs associated with making a bad hiring decision, it’s easy to see how those costs add up. For example, there’s the time lost on recruiting and training another employee, the negative impact on employee morale, and fewer sales / lower productivity.

 

using i-o psychology for hiring

 

There are also operational consequences of making a bad hiring decision. For example, there may be low quality work. If your new employee delivers poor customer service then this will be counterproductive if it prevents repeat business.

In addition, when you factor in the time spent screening applicants, interviewing them, preparing a letter of offer, training/onboarding, etc. it can easily cost $25,000 or more depending on the salary of the staff involved in the hiring process (and the salary of the new employee).

How Do You Make Sure You Get Good Value for Your Money?

 

When hiring staff, it’s rare that anyone forgets to assess knowledge. For instance, if you’re hiring an engineer or accountant, you confirm that they have the appropriate credentials. But let’s face it, in practice; the core knowledge possessed by two people with similar credentials is not what separates them. Normally, what distinguishes between two people who look similar on paper is how they apply their knowledge. Do they have similar judgment? Are they able to explain things to their colleagues and clients? Are they pleasant to work with or do they alienate others? These are important questions but why do so many people forget to assess behaviours  (aka soft skills) – or do it poorly?

 

 

using i-o psychology for better hiring via job interview

As a specialist in I-O psychology, I have expertise in assessing human behaviour within the context of work. I use techniques from I-O Psychology as part of the hiring process. This means that I can help you to identify the key behaviours that your next hire should excel at – then I can help you to evaluate it during the hiring process.

 

Interested in learning more about how to make better hiring decisions? Sign up for an upcoming Lunch & Learn session in Ottawa on February 17th, 2016.

 

 

In the meantime, if you’re interested in next level Career Coaching or HR Services I invite you to contact me by email, phone, or via direct message on Twitter,  Facebook, or LinkedIn. Phone and video appointments are also available.

 

More than career coaching, it’s career psychology®.

 

I/O Advisory Services– Building Resilient Careers and Organizations.™

 

Easily share this article using any of the social media icons below.

Latest Posts

Exploring the Consequences of Microaggressions in the Workplace

Exploring the Consequences of Microaggressions in the Workplace

During past training sessions, I’ve provided empirical and concrete examples of how discrimination and microaggressions can hurt more than the intended victims. Here, I’ll share one clear example, inspired by a recent TV interview, of how microaggressions and chronic mistreatment can impair retention and hurt the majority.

Dealing with Professional Setbacks

Dealing with Professional Setbacks

Professional setbacks and disappointments are an inevitable part of any career journey. Setbacks come in various forms, whether it’s missing out on a promotion, being laid off, dealing with the fallout associated with a failed project, or enduring systemic barriers.

What do HR Departments do?

What do HR Departments do?

During a recent chat with some new university graduates, we discussed the function of a Human Resources (HR) department. In the midst of that casual conversation, it occurred to me from their comments that while I have 20+ years of understanding of what goes on in the HR department, younger people who are just starting out might have no idea at all.

The Hidden Realities of Frenemies at Work

The Hidden Realities of Frenemies at Work

On the surface, frenemies might appear supportive and friendly, but their actions or words can subtly or overtly undermine, sabotage, or criticize. This kind of relationship can be particularly complex … When this happens at work, where one’s livelihood is at stake, it can be especially difficult.