A personnel psychologist assists employers in hiring new employees, properly assigning them, and promoting them as their experience and skills grow. This is distinct from the role of organizational psychologists, who deal with ongoing work culture issues and help people develop a healthy work environment. Personnel psychologists may help with workplace development, but their primary focus is on employee recruitment and retention. Working in this field usually necessitates a psychology degree, usually a postgraduate qualification.
Some companies like to give prospective employees simple psychological screening tests. A personnel psychologist can create tests that can be filled out on a form or run through a computer program. They can also conduct more thorough testing through interviews, in which a trained employee meets with a potential employer. These tests must follow any rules established government regulators, such as anti-discrimination laws.
A consultation with a personnel psychologist can also help with job descriptions. These psychologists can assess job openings and determine which skills and characteristics are most appropriate. The data can be incorporated into job postings and descriptions to help people find the best candidates for specific positions. Applicants who see ads for jobs that require a “outgoing personality,” for example, can tell if the job is a good fit for them. When discussing the job with applicants, human resources personnel can take recommendations for traits like “attention to detail” into account.
A personnel psychologist can use information from interviews and testing to determine where an employee fits into an organization’s culture. Prior to joining organizations like the military, such testing is commonly used. It has the power to rule candidates in or out of specific positions, and it can become part of an employee’s permanent file. This information is useful when people are being considered for promotions and officials want to know if an employee is capable of taking on more responsibilities or authority.
A personnel psychologist may meet with employees directly in some cases. In some cases, the job entails creating screening tools that other employees can use at job fairs and during interviews. Employees may also meet with organizational psychologists to discuss workplace demands, the types of employees who fit into various positions, and how to promote a healthy and functional workplace environment. The organizational psychologist provides ongoing support to increase retention, as the personnel psychologist contributes to the recruitment of suitable candidates.