In today’s competitive job market, hiring the right technical talent is a challenge that many employment agencies face. But the key to successful onboarding may lie less in technical skills and more in organisational psychology. Understanding the psychological aspects can significantly improve the quality of hires, ensuring a better fit for both the company and the employee.

Why organisational psychology matters

Organisational psychology focuses on understanding human behaviour in the workplace. It aims to improve the quality of work life and the performance of individuals and organisations. By applying principles of psychology to hiring processes, employment agencies can better assess how a candidate will fit into a company’s culture and work environment.

A 2010 study published found that organisational fit significantly impacts job satisfaction and, consequently, employee retention. This is crucial for technical roles, where the cost of a bad hire can be exorbitant.

The role of personality assessments

Personality assessments can provide valuable insights into a candidate’s suitability for a role. These tests can measure various traits, such as openness, conscientiousness, and emotional stability, which are often good indicators of how well someone will perform in a technical job.

Research shows that personality assessments are reliable predictors of job performance, especially when combined with cognitive ability tests.

Cultural fit and team dynamics

Cultural fit is another important factor in the hiring process. A candidate who aligns well with a company’s values and work culture is more likely to be engaged and productive. Employment agencies should consider not only the skills but also the cultural fit when sourcing technical talent.

The importance of onboarding

Once a candidate is hired, the onboarding process plays a critical role in their long-term success. Proper onboarding can help new hires understand their roles, the company culture, and how they fit into the team. This is particularly important in technical roles, where the learning curve can be steep.

Final thoughts

Employment agencies need to look beyond just technical skills when hiring for technical roles. A comprehensive approach that includes organisational psychology can lead to more successful hires, benefiting both the employee and the company. By understanding the importance of psychological factors, agencies can better match candidates with roles, leading to higher job satisfaction and lower turnover rates.

James Hunter, PhD is an organisational psychologist with over 10 years of experience in talent acquisition and employee engagement.