Recruiter Perceptions of Applicant Fit: Implications for Individual Career Preparation and Job Search Behavior

• Published in: Journal of vocational behavior Vol. 43; no. 3; pp. 310 - 327
• Main Authors: Bretz, Jr., Robert D., Rynes, Sara L., Gerhart, Barry
• Format: Journal Article
• Language: English
• Published: Elsevier Inc 01.12.1993
• Subjects: Career Development; Job Applicants; Job Skills; Person Organization Fit; Personnel Selection; Recruitment; Work Experience
• ISSN: 0001-8791; 1095-9084
• DOI: 10.1006/jvbe.1993.1050

To date, normative selection models have focused primarily on matching individual knowledge, skills, and abilities to job requirements. However, recently, job seekers have been advised to adjust their preparation and job search behaviors to capitalize on the shifting emphasis on fit to broader organizational characteristics such as strategy, culture, and values. Despite the apparent reasonableness of this advice, there has been little research on how employers actually go about the task of screening or selecting for broader organizational fit. Accordingly, the present study examined how organizational recruiters assess applicant fit. Fifty-four campus recruiters in four colleges provided examples of "best-fitting" and "worst-fitting" applicants from just-completed interview schedules, along with specific descriptions of what it was that made each applicant "fit" or "not fit." Examination of interview transcripts suggested that despite the recent emphasis on unique organizational values, strategies, or cultures in discussions of fit, by far the most frequently mentioned determinants of fit were either (1) job-related coursework or experience or (2) generally (rather than uniquely) desirable personal characteristics such as articulateness, positive personal appearance, and good general communication skills. However, some systematic differences were detected in the extent to which particular characteristics were sought by recruiters in different colleges. Findings are related to previous research, and implications for applicants are discussed.