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Industrial-Organizational Psychologists

SOC 19-3032.00Job Zone 5 · Extensive Preparationv.26.05

Context coveredThis framework covers the full scope of industrial-organizational psychology practice — from foundational job analysis and psychometric assessment through enterprise talent strategy and field-level scientific innovation — in corporate, consulting, government, and academic environments.

Emerging
Entry / Apprentice
  1. Job analysis datacollect and organize using structured interview protocols and observation checklists under faculty or senior psychologist supervision in an organizational field site.
  2. Psychological assessment instrumentsadminister and score using standardized procedures under direct oversight during entry-level employee selection projects.
  3. Statistical software packagesapply basic descriptive and inferential analyses to workplace program evaluation datasets under the guidance of a supervising I-O psychologist.
  4. Interview techniques and rating scalesreview existing tools and identify alignment with position requirements when supporting a selection program development team.
  5. Personnel and human resources literatureread and summarize peer-reviewed research to inform evidence-based recommendations for client organizations.
  6. Survey instrumentsdistribute and compile responses from workers to gather preliminary job satisfaction and task requirement data under structured direction.
  7. Spreadsheet and database softwareenter, clean, and retrieve employee assessment data to support ongoing HR analytics projects in a corporate or consulting environment.
  8. Oral and written research summariesprepare and present findings from job analyses and program reviews to supervisors and project teams in professional settings.
  9. Classification criteriaassist in drafting preliminary selection standards by applying foundational knowledge of personnel law and validated testing principles.
  10. Organizational behavior conceptsrecognize patterns in employee performance and satisfaction data when supporting team-level diagnostics under experienced practitioner oversight.
Developing
Mid-level / Established
  1. Employee selection programsdesign and implement validated screening workflows, including structured interviews and cognitive assessments, for mid-sized organizational clients with limited oversight.
  2. Statistical models and analytical softwareapply multivariate techniques to evaluate the predictive validity and adverse impact of selection instruments in live HR program evaluations.
  3. Rating scale developmentconstruct and pilot behaviorally anchored rating scales (BARS) aligned to job-specific competencies derived from systematic job analysis activities.
  4. Job requirements analysisconduct full-cycle job analysis interviews and task inventories with incumbent workers and supervisors to establish classification and promotion criteria.
  5. Program effectiveness datainterpret quantitative and qualitative outcomes to advise HR managers on workforce intervention improvements within a familiar organizational context.
  6. Management consultationprepare and deliver recommendations on personnel policies and their operational impacts to departmental leaders in corporate or government settings.
  7. Training needs assessmentsanalyze skill gaps identified through job analysis and performance data to support development of targeted employee learning programs.
  8. Organizational change initiativesfacilitate structured workshops and stakeholder engagement sessions to support culture and process improvement efforts across work units.
  9. Psychological test batteriesselect, validate, and administer appropriate assessment tools for employee placement and promotion decisions with routine peer review.
  10. Research findingstranslate emerging I-O psychology literature into actionable policy briefs and evidence-based practice guidelines for internal HR teams.
Proficient
Senior / Expert IC
  1. Selection and placement programsautonomously design, validate, and continuously refine end-to-end employee selection systems that meet legal defensibility and predictive accuracy standards across diverse organizational contexts.
  2. Complex validation studieslead criterion-related and construct validity research using advanced statistical applications, including structural equation modeling and item response theory, to ensure assessment instrument integrity.
  3. Non-routine workforce problemsapply inductive and deductive reasoning to diagnose ambiguous organizational performance issues and develop custom intervention strategies without reliance on prescribed templates.
  4. Executive management advisoryadvise C-suite and senior HR leadership on the systemic effects of personnel, managerial, and marketing policy decisions on organizational effectiveness and regulatory compliance.
  5. Organizational development strategyfacilitate large-scale change management processes, using evidence-based frameworks to align culture, structure, and talent systems with strategic business objectives.
  6. Job classification systemsestablish and defend comprehensive role taxonomies and competency frameworks that serve selection, training, compensation, and succession planning functions across an enterprise.
  7. Psychological testing ethics and lawevaluate assessment programs for compliance with EEOC guidelines, ADA requirements, and professional standards, and resolve legal or ethical conflicts that arise in practice.
  8. Stakeholder communicationsynthesize complex psychometric and organizational data into compelling written reports and oral presentations that influence decision-making at board and executive levels.
  9. Cross-functional research teamscoordinate interdisciplinary projects involving HR, legal, operations, and data science professionals to deliver integrated workforce analytics solutions.
  10. Mentorship and technical guidanceprovide substantive coaching and peer review to junior I-O psychologists and graduate interns on research design, assessment development, and client engagement.
Advanced
Lead / Principal / Executive
  1. Enterprise talent strategyset the vision and governance structure for organization-wide selection, development, and succession systems that align human capital investment with long-term strategic priorities.
  2. Competency framework architecturelead the design and adoption of enterprise-level competency models that define role standards, performance benchmarks, and promotion criteria across global or multi-site organizations.
  3. Field-level innovationoriginate and publish novel assessment methodologies, psychometric advances, or organizational intervention models that expand the evidence base of applied I-O psychology.
  4. Organizational transformation leadershipdirect complex, multi-year change initiatives affecting thousands of employees, integrating psychological science, change management theory, and executive stakeholder alignment.
  5. Policy and regulatory influenceadvise government agencies, professional associations, and legislative bodies on best-practice standards for workplace testing, selection fairness, and employment law compliance.
  6. People analytics ecosystemestablish the strategic infrastructure, data governance standards, and analytical capabilities that enable evidence-based workforce decision-making at the organizational or sector level.
  7. Executive talent advisoryserve as a principal consultant to boards and executive leadership on CEO succession, senior team effectiveness, and organizational culture transformation at enterprise scale.
  8. Practitioner community developmentdesign curricula, professional development pathways, and mentorship programs that build I-O psychology capacity within an organization, consulting firm, or academic institution.
  9. Cross-sector research partnershipsforge and lead collaborative research alliances between industry, academia, and government to address systemic workforce challenges using rigorous scientific methodology.
  10. Ethical and professional standards leadershipchampion and institutionalize ethical frameworks, DEI-informed assessment practices, and professional conduct standards that shape the culture and accountability of the I-O psychology discipline.

Authoritative source data identified for 998 occupations

How a worker at each mastery level uses, directs, and evaluates AI tools in this occupation. Each statement cites its evidence inline; click a citation chip to verify the source.

Emerging
  1. AI-assisted literature review — uses an LLM to summarize published research on selection validity, job analysis methods, and organizational behavior, then reads primary sources to verify accuracy before citing them in reports Anthropic Economic IndexAnthropic Economic Index — release_2026_03_24. Opens in new tab..
  2. Basic prompt drafting — submits structured descriptions of I-O tasks to an AI assistant to generate first-draft survey items or interview questions, then reviews each item against established psychometric standards before use Anthropic Economic IndexAnthropic Economic Index — release_2026_03_24. Opens in new tab..
Developing
  1. Job analysis data synthesis — delegates the initial coding and thematic grouping of raw interview transcripts and observation notes to an AI tool, then applies occupational psychology expertise to validate category boundaries and resolve ambiguous classifications Anthropic Economic IndexAnthropic Economic Index — release_2026_03_24. Opens in new tab. Jadhav & Danve, 2026Skill Automation Feasibility Index — Jadhav & Danve, 2026 (arXiv:2604.06906). Opens in new tab..
  2. Statistical output interpretation — directs an AI assistant to run descriptive summaries and flag anomalies in workforce program evaluation datasets, then independently applies inferential reasoning to interpret practical significance and organizational implications Anthropic Economic IndexAnthropic Economic Index — release_2026_03_24. Opens in new tab. WEF Skills TaxonomyWEF Skills Taxonomy 2021 — Building a Common Language for Skills at Work. Opens in new tab..
  3. Selection instrument drafting — uses an LLM to generate candidate pools of rating-scale anchors and psychological test items at scale, then subjects each item to expert bias review and criterion-validity scrutiny before piloting Jadhav & Danve, 2026Skill Automation Feasibility Index — Jadhav & Danve, 2026 (arXiv:2604.06906). Opens in new tab..
Proficient
  1. End-to-end selection program documentation — orchestrates AI tools across the full workflow of job analysis, competency mapping, and structured interview guide production, retaining authorship of validity arguments and legal defensibility rationale Anthropic Economic IndexAnthropic Economic Index — release_2026_03_24. Opens in new tab. Jadhav & Danve, 2026Skill Automation Feasibility Index — Jadhav & Danve, 2026 (arXiv:2604.06906). Opens in new tab..
  2. Program evaluation acceleration — hands off data cleaning, regression setup, and visualization drafts to an AI assistant for workforce outcome studies, recovering the 80 % time saving on routine analytic tasks and redirecting effort toward causal interpretation and stakeholder communication Anthropic Economic IndexAnthropic Economic Index — release_2026_03_24. Opens in new tab..
  3. Stakeholder report generation — directs an LLM to transform statistical findings into executive-ready narrative drafts, then edits for precision, organizational context, and ethical framing that the model cannot supply Anthropic Economic IndexAnthropic Economic Index — release_2026_03_24. Opens in new tab. WEF Skills TaxonomyWEF Skills Taxonomy 2021 — Building a Common Language for Skills at Work. Opens in new tab..
  4. Active listening quality assurance — reviews AI-generated transcripts and sentiment summaries of worker interviews as a first pass, then conducts live follow-up conversations to surface nuanced meaning that automated analysis misses Jadhav & Danve, 2026Skill Automation Feasibility Index — Jadhav & Danve, 2026 (arXiv:2604.06906). Opens in new tab..
  5. Competency framework design — uses AI to benchmark role-specific competency libraries against industry and O*NET taxonomies at scale, then synthesizes results with direct observation data to produce organization-specific frameworks WEF Skills TaxonomyWEF Skills Taxonomy 2021 — Building a Common Language for Skills at Work. Opens in new tab..
Advanced
  1. Validity and bias audit leadership — designs systematic evaluation protocols that subject AI-generated selection assessments to adverse-impact analysis, criterion-validity testing, and regulatory scrutiny, positioning the human psychologist as the final authority on legally defensible use Jadhav & Danve, 2026Skill Automation Feasibility Index — Jadhav & Danve, 2026 (arXiv:2604.06906). Opens in new tab. WEF Skills TaxonomyWEF Skills Taxonomy 2021 — Building a Common Language for Skills at Work. Opens in new tab..
  2. AI tool governance for HR systems — establishes organizational standards for when AI autonomy in talent assessment decisions is acceptable versus when human judgment is mandatory, drawing on empirical usage evidence to calibrate risk thresholds Anthropic Economic IndexAnthropic Economic Index — release_2026_03_24. Opens in new tab. Jadhav & Danve, 2026Skill Automation Feasibility Index — Jadhav & Danve, 2026 (arXiv:2604.06906). Opens in new tab..
  3. Novel measurement methodology — integrates AI-derived behavioral signals (e.g., natural-language processing of open-ended responses) with established psychometric theory to develop hybrid assessment instruments, publishing validity evidence and methodological safeguards for the field Anthropic Economic IndexAnthropic Economic Index — release_2026_03_24. Opens in new tab. WEF Skills TaxonomyWEF Skills Taxonomy 2021 — Building a Common Language for Skills at Work. Opens in new tab..
  4. Cross-functional AI capability building — advises HR, data science, and legal teams on responsible deployment of LLMs in selection and organizational development contexts, translating I-O science principles into practical AI use policies and training curricula Jadhav & Danve, 2026Skill Automation Feasibility Index — Jadhav & Danve, 2026 (arXiv:2604.06906). Opens in new tab. WEF Skills TaxonomyWEF Skills Taxonomy 2021 — Building a Common Language for Skills at Work. Opens in new tab..
Evidence pack
AEI usage
Task observations: 1146
Augment share: 95%
Time saved: 80.5%
AI autonomy: 3.37
SAFI positioning
Top skill: Active Listening
Score: 42.2 / 100
Quadrant: Q2_ai_augmented
precision: exact
WEF cluster
Data Science and Analysis
data_science_and_analysis

Ten durable-skill domains mapped to four proficiency/role levels for each occupation. Each statement is aligned to the Pathsmith taxonomy, derived from trusted grounding data and mapped to occupation-specific O*NET tasks and skills.

1Communication11 statements
Emerging
  1. Stakeholder interaction — listens actively during structured interviews with workers to capture job satisfaction data without leading responses Pathsmith Durable SkillsPathsmith Durable Skills Framework — America Succeeds + CompTIA. Opens in new tab. O*NET v30.2O*NET Resource Center — Occupational Information Network, v30.2 (Sept 2025). Opens in new tab.
Developing
  1. Assessment instrument documentation — writes clear administration guides and scoring rubrics for psychological tests and rating scales used in selection contexts Pathsmith Durable SkillsPathsmith Durable Skills Framework — America Succeeds + CompTIA. Opens in new tab. O*NET v30.2O*NET Resource Center — Occupational Information Network, v30.2 (Sept 2025). Opens in new tab.
  2. Employee interview protocols — translates complex competency frameworks into conversational interview questions that elicit behavioral evidence O*NET v30.2O*NET Resource Center — Occupational Information Network, v30.2 (Sept 2025). Opens in new tab.
Applying
  1. Technical research translation — converts statistical evaluation findings into plain-language executive summaries that support evidence-based HR decision making Pathsmith Durable SkillsPathsmith Durable Skills Framework — America Succeeds + CompTIA. Opens in new tab. O*NET v30.2O*NET Resource Center — Occupational Information Network, v30.2 (Sept 2025). Opens in new tab.
  2. Selection program communication — advises hiring managers on best practices through structured briefings that align legal requirements with organizational goals Pathsmith Durable SkillsPathsmith Durable Skills Framework — America Succeeds + CompTIA. Opens in new tab. O*NET v30.2O*NET Resource Center — Occupational Information Network, v30.2 (Sept 2025). Opens in new tab.
  3. Organizational change messaging — crafts change-management communications that address workforce concerns and sustain engagement during transitions Pathsmith Durable SkillsPathsmith Durable Skills Framework — America Succeeds + CompTIA. Opens in new tab. O*NET v30.2O*NET Resource Center — Occupational Information Network, v30.2 (Sept 2025). Opens in new tab.
Exceeding
  1. Cross-functional advisory communication — delivers persuasive counsel to senior leadership on personnel, managerial, and marketing policy implications, integrating psychological evidence with strategic framing Pathsmith Durable SkillsPathsmith Durable Skills Framework — America Succeeds + CompTIA. Opens in new tab. O*NET v30.2O*NET Resource Center — Occupational Information Network, v30.2 (Sept 2025). Opens in new tab.
  2. Multistakeholder facilitation — leads workshops and focus groups across hierarchical levels, modulating technical depth and tone to align diverse audiences around organizational development objectives Pathsmith Durable SkillsPathsmith Durable Skills Framework — America Succeeds + CompTIA. Opens in new tab. O*NET v30.2O*NET Resource Center — Occupational Information Network, v30.2 (Sept 2025). Opens in new tab.
  3. Published knowledge dissemination — authors practitioner-facing reports and peer-reviewed manuscripts that advance the field's understanding of workplace assessment and intervention outcomes Pathsmith Durable SkillsPathsmith Durable Skills Framework — America Succeeds + CompTIA. Opens in new tab.
2Leadership10 statements
Emerging
  1. Project contribution — takes ownership of assigned data-collection tasks within job analysis or program evaluation projects, meeting deliverable timelines independently Pathsmith Durable SkillsPathsmith Durable Skills Framework — America Succeeds + CompTIA. Opens in new tab.
  2. Peer guidance — shares foundational knowledge of selection methodology with junior colleagues or HR generalists during team onboarding activities Pathsmith Durable SkillsPathsmith Durable Skills Framework — America Succeeds + CompTIA. Opens in new tab.
Developing
  1. Program coordination — leads the implementation phase of employee selection or placement programs, coordinating across HR, legal, and operational units Pathsmith Durable SkillsPathsmith Durable Skills Framework — America Succeeds + CompTIA. Opens in new tab. O*NET v30.2O*NET Resource Center — Occupational Information Network, v30.2 (Sept 2025). Opens in new tab.
  2. Initiative sponsorship — proposes and champions evidence-based improvements to existing assessment tools, securing stakeholder buy-in before rollout Pathsmith Durable SkillsPathsmith Durable Skills Framework — America Succeeds + CompTIA. Opens in new tab.
Applying
  1. Organizational development leadership — facilitates enterprise-wide change initiatives by setting direction, managing resistance, and sustaining momentum across business units Pathsmith Durable SkillsPathsmith Durable Skills Framework — America Succeeds + CompTIA. Opens in new tab. O*NET v30.2O*NET Resource Center — Occupational Information Network, v30.2 (Sept 2025). Opens in new tab.
  2. Advisory authority — assumes primary accountability for counsel given to management on personnel and policy decisions, accepting responsibility for downstream organizational outcomes Pathsmith Durable SkillsPathsmith Durable Skills Framework — America Succeeds + CompTIA. Opens in new tab. O*NET v30.2O*NET Resource Center — Occupational Information Network, v30.2 (Sept 2025). Opens in new tab.
  3. Talent strategy ownership — leads the design and governance of end-to-end selection and promotion systems, ensuring alignment with workforce planning objectives Pathsmith Durable SkillsPathsmith Durable Skills Framework — America Succeeds + CompTIA. Opens in new tab. O*NET v30.2O*NET Resource Center — Occupational Information Network, v30.2 (Sept 2025). Opens in new tab.
Exceeding
  1. Discipline leadership — shapes the strategic direction of I-O psychology practice within the organization or client portfolio, mentoring junior practitioners and building institutional capability Pathsmith Durable SkillsPathsmith Durable Skills Framework — America Succeeds + CompTIA. Opens in new tab.
  2. Executive partnership — serves as a trusted advisor at the C-suite level, influencing people-strategy decisions with quantified evidence of program effectiveness and organizational risk Pathsmith Durable SkillsPathsmith Durable Skills Framework — America Succeeds + CompTIA. Opens in new tab. O*NET v30.2O*NET Resource Center — Occupational Information Network, v30.2 (Sept 2025). Opens in new tab.
  3. Field advancement — leads cross-organizational consortia or professional associations to develop shared standards for workplace assessment and organizational effectiveness Pathsmith Durable SkillsPathsmith Durable Skills Framework — America Succeeds + CompTIA. Opens in new tab.
3Metacognition8 statements
Emerging
  1. Analytical self-monitoring — recognizes when statistical assumptions underlying a chosen method may not hold and seeks supervisory input before proceeding Pathsmith Durable SkillsPathsmith Durable Skills Framework — America Succeeds + CompTIA. Opens in new tab.
  2. Learning gap identification — identifies personal knowledge deficits in emerging assessment technologies and selects targeted professional development activities to address them Pathsmith Durable SkillsPathsmith Durable Skills Framework — America Succeeds + CompTIA. Opens in new tab.
Developing
  1. Bias self-examination — reflects on potential researcher or consultant bias when designing job analysis interviews or interpreting organizational survey data Pathsmith Durable SkillsPathsmith Durable Skills Framework — America Succeeds + CompTIA. Opens in new tab. O*NET v30.2O*NET Resource Center — Occupational Information Network, v30.2 (Sept 2025). Opens in new tab.
  2. Method selection awareness — evaluates own reasoning process when choosing between quantitative and qualitative data-collection strategies to ensure fit with research questions Pathsmith Durable SkillsPathsmith Durable Skills Framework — America Succeeds + CompTIA. Opens in new tab.
Applying
  1. Consultative self-regulation — monitors own advisory judgment during high-stakes management consultations, pausing to re-examine assumptions when organizational complexity increases Pathsmith Durable SkillsPathsmith Durable Skills Framework — America Succeeds + CompTIA. Opens in new tab. O*NET v30.2O*NET Resource Center — Occupational Information Network, v30.2 (Sept 2025). Opens in new tab.
  2. Continuous competency mapping — maintains an explicit, updated inventory of strengths and gaps across I-O subdisciplines to guide strategic project acceptance and professional growth Pathsmith Durable SkillsPathsmith Durable Skills Framework — America Succeeds + CompTIA. Opens in new tab.
Exceeding
  1. Reflective practice modeling — demonstrates systematic self-evaluation after program implementations, publicly sharing lessons learned to cultivate metacognitive habits in junior practitioners Pathsmith Durable SkillsPathsmith Durable Skills Framework — America Succeeds + CompTIA. Opens in new tab.
  2. Epistemic humility in expertise — distinguishes confidently between the boundaries of empirical evidence and personal judgment when advising on novel organizational challenges, communicating that distinction explicitly to clients Pathsmith Durable SkillsPathsmith Durable Skills Framework — America Succeeds + CompTIA. Opens in new tab. O*NET v30.2O*NET Resource Center — Occupational Information Network, v30.2 (Sept 2025). Opens in new tab.
4Critical Thinking11 statements
Emerging
  1. Evidence appraisal — evaluates the quality and relevance of published validation studies before applying assessment instruments to a new organizational context Pathsmith Durable SkillsPathsmith Durable Skills Framework — America Succeeds + CompTIA. Opens in new tab. O*NET v30.2O*NET Resource Center — Occupational Information Network, v30.2 (Sept 2025). Opens in new tab.
Developing
  1. Causal reasoning — distinguishes between correlation and causation when analyzing statistical relationships between selection scores and job performance outcomes Pathsmith Durable SkillsPathsmith Durable Skills Framework — America Succeeds + CompTIA. Opens in new tab. O*NET v30.2O*NET Resource Center — Occupational Information Network, v30.2 (Sept 2025). Opens in new tab.
  2. Systems evaluation — examines how HR policies interact with broader organizational structures to produce intended and unintended effects on workforce outcomes Pathsmith Durable SkillsPathsmith Durable Skills Framework — America Succeeds + CompTIA. Opens in new tab. O*NET v30.2O*NET Resource Center — Occupational Information Network, v30.2 (Sept 2025). Opens in new tab.
  3. Rival hypothesis testing — generates and evaluates competing explanations for declining employee engagement scores before recommending organizational interventions Pathsmith Durable SkillsPathsmith Durable Skills Framework — America Succeeds + CompTIA. Opens in new tab.
Applying
  1. Multi-criteria judgment — weighs legal defensibility, predictive validity, adverse impact data, and cost-effectiveness simultaneously when advising on selection tool adoption Pathsmith Durable SkillsPathsmith Durable Skills Framework — America Succeeds + CompTIA. Opens in new tab. O*NET v30.2O*NET Resource Center — Occupational Information Network, v30.2 (Sept 2025). Opens in new tab.
  2. Program logic critique — deconstructs the logical chain linking a training intervention to intended performance outcomes, identifying gaps in theory of change Pathsmith Durable SkillsPathsmith Durable Skills Framework — America Succeeds + CompTIA. Opens in new tab. O*NET v30.2O*NET Resource Center — Occupational Information Network, v30.2 (Sept 2025). Opens in new tab.
  3. Policy impact analysis — assesses potential second- and third-order effects of proposed personnel policies on organizational effectiveness before presenting recommendations to management Pathsmith Durable SkillsPathsmith Durable Skills Framework — America Succeeds + CompTIA. Opens in new tab. O*NET v30.2O*NET Resource Center — Occupational Information Network, v30.2 (Sept 2025). Opens in new tab.
Exceeding
  1. Paradigm interrogation — challenges prevailing methodological assumptions in I-O practice, synthesizing cross-disciplinary evidence to propose more valid frameworks for assessment and selection Pathsmith Durable SkillsPathsmith Durable Skills Framework — America Succeeds + CompTIA. Opens in new tab.
  2. Complex problem resolution — resolves multifaceted organizational diagnostics where data is incomplete and stakeholder interests conflict, producing defensible, evidence-grounded recommendations Pathsmith Durable SkillsPathsmith Durable Skills Framework — America Succeeds + CompTIA. Opens in new tab. O*NET v30.2O*NET Resource Center — Occupational Information Network, v30.2 (Sept 2025). Opens in new tab.
  3. Field-level synthesis — critically evaluates bodies of research to identify convergent findings and methodological weaknesses, publishing guidance that shapes practitioner standards Pathsmith Durable SkillsPathsmith Durable Skills Framework — America Succeeds + CompTIA. Opens in new tab.
5Collaboration9 statements
Emerging
  1. Cross-functional data gathering — coordinates with hiring managers and subject-matter experts to collect accurate task and KSA information for job analysis projects Pathsmith Durable SkillsPathsmith Durable Skills Framework — America Succeeds + CompTIA. Opens in new tab. O*NET v30.2O*NET Resource Center — Occupational Information Network, v30.2 (Sept 2025). Opens in new tab.
  2. Team contribution — participates constructively in multi-disciplinary project teams, contributing I-O expertise while integrating input from HR, legal, and operations colleagues Pathsmith Durable SkillsPathsmith Durable Skills Framework — America Succeeds + CompTIA. Opens in new tab.
Developing
  1. Client partnership — works collaboratively with organizational clients to co-design selection or placement programs that balance scientific rigor with operational constraints Pathsmith Durable SkillsPathsmith Durable Skills Framework — America Succeeds + CompTIA. Opens in new tab. O*NET v30.2O*NET Resource Center — Occupational Information Network, v30.2 (Sept 2025). Opens in new tab.
  2. Stakeholder alignment — navigates differing departmental priorities during organizational development initiatives, building consensus around shared goals Pathsmith Durable SkillsPathsmith Durable Skills Framework — America Succeeds + CompTIA. Opens in new tab. O*NET v30.2O*NET Resource Center — Occupational Information Network, v30.2 (Sept 2025). Opens in new tab.
Applying
  1. Interdisciplinary project leadership — coordinates psychologists, data scientists, and HR business partners within integrated talent-analytics teams, ensuring methodological coherence and shared accountability Pathsmith Durable SkillsPathsmith Durable Skills Framework — America Succeeds + CompTIA. Opens in new tab.
  2. Change coalition building — partners with management, union representatives, and employee groups to co-create change strategies that address diverse constituency concerns Pathsmith Durable SkillsPathsmith Durable Skills Framework — America Succeeds + CompTIA. Opens in new tab. O*NET v30.2O*NET Resource Center — Occupational Information Network, v30.2 (Sept 2025). Opens in new tab.
  3. Vendor and partner management — collaborates with external assessment vendors and consultants, evaluating deliverables against validation standards and organizational fit criteria O*NET v30.2O*NET Resource Center — Occupational Information Network, v30.2 (Sept 2025). Opens in new tab.
Exceeding
  1. Enterprise collaboration architecture — designs governance structures and collaboration protocols that enable sustained, cross-functional people-analytics work at scale Pathsmith Durable SkillsPathsmith Durable Skills Framework — America Succeeds + CompTIA. Opens in new tab.
  2. Community of practice facilitation — convenes internal and external I-O practitioners to share evidence, harmonize methods, and collectively solve emerging workforce challenges Pathsmith Durable SkillsPathsmith Durable Skills Framework — America Succeeds + CompTIA. Opens in new tab. O*NET v30.2O*NET Resource Center — Occupational Information Network, v30.2 (Sept 2025). Opens in new tab.
6Character10 statements
Emerging
  1. Confidentiality adherence — handles sensitive employee assessment data, interview transcripts, and psychological test scores in strict accordance with professional and legal privacy standards Pathsmith Durable SkillsPathsmith Durable Skills Framework — America Succeeds + CompTIA. Opens in new tab. O*NET v30.2O*NET Resource Center — Occupational Information Network, v30.2 (Sept 2025). Opens in new tab.
  2. Honest reporting — accurately represents statistical findings in program evaluation reports without omitting unfavorable results to satisfy stakeholder preferences Pathsmith Durable SkillsPathsmith Durable Skills Framework — America Succeeds + CompTIA. Opens in new tab.
Developing
  1. Adverse impact accountability — proactively monitors selection programs for disparate impact across protected groups and discloses findings to management regardless of commercial pressure Pathsmith Durable SkillsPathsmith Durable Skills Framework — America Succeeds + CompTIA. Opens in new tab. O*NET v30.2O*NET Resource Center — Occupational Information Network, v30.2 (Sept 2025). Opens in new tab.
  2. Professional boundary maintenance — declines to administer assessments or provide recommendations outside validated competency areas, directing clients to appropriate expertise Pathsmith Durable SkillsPathsmith Durable Skills Framework — America Succeeds + CompTIA. Opens in new tab.
Applying
  1. Ethical advisory integrity — provides management counsel that prioritizes employee well-being and legal compliance alongside organizational efficiency, even when recommendations are unwelcome Pathsmith Durable SkillsPathsmith Durable Skills Framework — America Succeeds + CompTIA. Opens in new tab. O*NET v30.2O*NET Resource Center — Occupational Information Network, v30.2 (Sept 2025). Opens in new tab.
  2. Validation transparency — discloses limitations of assessment instruments, including sample generalizability and criterion-related validity coefficients, in all formal selection recommendations Pathsmith Durable SkillsPathsmith Durable Skills Framework — America Succeeds + CompTIA. Opens in new tab. O*NET v30.2O*NET Resource Center — Occupational Information Network, v30.2 (Sept 2025). Opens in new tab.
  3. Accountability modeling — accepts professional responsibility for the outcomes of implemented selection or development programs and initiates corrective action when results fall short Pathsmith Durable SkillsPathsmith Durable Skills Framework — America Succeeds + CompTIA. Opens in new tab.
Exceeding
  1. Ethical standard stewardship — develops organizational codes of practice for people-analytics and assessment use, embedding ethical review processes into program design and evaluation cycles Pathsmith Durable SkillsPathsmith Durable Skills Framework — America Succeeds + CompTIA. Opens in new tab.
  2. Professional integrity under pressure — maintains scientific and ethical standards when clients or employers request conclusions unsupported by evidence, articulating the organizational risk of compromising rigor Pathsmith Durable SkillsPathsmith Durable Skills Framework — America Succeeds + CompTIA. Opens in new tab. O*NET v30.2O*NET Resource Center — Occupational Information Network, v30.2 (Sept 2025). Opens in new tab.
  3. Societal responsibility leadership — advocates publicly for fair, valid, and legally defensible employment practices, contributing to professional guidelines that protect both organizations and job candidates Pathsmith Durable SkillsPathsmith Durable Skills Framework — America Succeeds + CompTIA. Opens in new tab.
7Creativity10 statements
Emerging
  1. Item generation — constructs novel situational judgment test items that authentically represent job-relevant scenarios identified during task analysis Pathsmith Durable SkillsPathsmith Durable Skills Framework — America Succeeds + CompTIA. Opens in new tab. O*NET v30.2O*NET Resource Center — Occupational Information Network, v30.2 (Sept 2025). Opens in new tab.
  2. Assessment adaptation — modifies existing rating scale formats to better capture competency constructs unique to a target role or industry context Pathsmith Durable SkillsPathsmith Durable Skills Framework — America Succeeds + CompTIA. Opens in new tab. O*NET v30.2O*NET Resource Center — Occupational Information Network, v30.2 (Sept 2025). Opens in new tab.
Developing
  1. Measurement innovation — designs hybrid assessment approaches that combine structured interview techniques with work-sample simulations to increase predictive validity Pathsmith Durable SkillsPathsmith Durable Skills Framework — America Succeeds + CompTIA. Opens in new tab. O*NET v30.2O*NET Resource Center — Occupational Information Network, v30.2 (Sept 2025). Opens in new tab.
  2. Intervention design — develops creative organizational development programs that translate psychological theory into engaging, context-sensitive employee experiences Pathsmith Durable SkillsPathsmith Durable Skills Framework — America Succeeds + CompTIA. Opens in new tab. O*NET v30.2O*NET Resource Center — Occupational Information Network, v30.2 (Sept 2025). Opens in new tab.
Applying
  1. Novel diagnostic methodology — creates custom job analysis frameworks that integrate cognitive task analysis, observational fieldwork, and quantitative survey data for complex, emerging roles Pathsmith Durable SkillsPathsmith Durable Skills Framework — America Succeeds + CompTIA. Opens in new tab. O*NET v30.2O*NET Resource Center — Occupational Information Network, v30.2 (Sept 2025). Opens in new tab.
  2. Analytics solution design — engineers new approaches to linking selection predictor data with longitudinal performance outcomes, producing actionable workforce intelligence Pathsmith Durable SkillsPathsmith Durable Skills Framework — America Succeeds + CompTIA. Opens in new tab. O*NET v30.2O*NET Resource Center — Occupational Information Network, v30.2 (Sept 2025). Opens in new tab.
  3. Change strategy innovation — designs organizationally tailored change management architectures that move beyond standard models to address unique cultural and structural barriers Pathsmith Durable SkillsPathsmith Durable Skills Framework — America Succeeds + CompTIA. Opens in new tab. O*NET v30.2O*NET Resource Center — Occupational Information Network, v30.2 (Sept 2025). Opens in new tab.
Exceeding
  1. Field-defining methodology development — invents assessment paradigms or statistical modeling approaches that advance the scientific and applied practice of I-O psychology at the discipline level Pathsmith Durable SkillsPathsmith Durable Skills Framework — America Succeeds + CompTIA. Opens in new tab.
  2. Cross-disciplinary synthesis — integrates concepts from behavioral economics, neuroscience, and data science into innovative workforce solutions that exceed the reach of conventional I-O methods Pathsmith Durable SkillsPathsmith Durable Skills Framework — America Succeeds + CompTIA. Opens in new tab.
  3. Entrepreneurial program creation — conceives and launches novel organizational consulting offerings or research programs that create new value for client organizations and the broader field Pathsmith Durable SkillsPathsmith Durable Skills Framework — America Succeeds + CompTIA. Opens in new tab.
8Growth Mindset9 statements
Emerging
  1. Feedback receptivity — incorporates supervisor and peer critique of data analysis choices and report drafts to improve the quality of subsequent deliverables Pathsmith Durable SkillsPathsmith Durable Skills Framework — America Succeeds + CompTIA. Opens in new tab.
  2. Challenge acceptance — volunteers for job analysis assignments in unfamiliar industries, treating knowledge gaps as development opportunities Pathsmith Durable SkillsPathsmith Durable Skills Framework — America Succeeds + CompTIA. Opens in new tab.
Developing
  1. Skill stretch — pursues training in advanced statistical techniques such as structural equation modeling or machine learning to expand analytical capability for workforce research Pathsmith Durable SkillsPathsmith Durable Skills Framework — America Succeeds + CompTIA. Opens in new tab. O*NET v30.2O*NET Resource Center — Occupational Information Network, v30.2 (Sept 2025). Opens in new tab.
  2. Setback reframing — treats invalidated assessment tools or failed organizational interventions as empirical data, extracting design lessons to inform subsequent program iterations Pathsmith Durable SkillsPathsmith Durable Skills Framework — America Succeeds + CompTIA. Opens in new tab.
Applying
  1. Evidence updating — revises previously recommended selection criteria or intervention designs when new validation data contradicts earlier conclusions, communicating changes transparently to clients Pathsmith Durable SkillsPathsmith Durable Skills Framework — America Succeeds + CompTIA. Opens in new tab. O*NET v30.2O*NET Resource Center — Occupational Information Network, v30.2 (Sept 2025). Opens in new tab.
  2. Continuous literature integration — systematically incorporates emerging I-O research findings into practice, updating assessment and consultation approaches to reflect current evidence Pathsmith Durable SkillsPathsmith Durable Skills Framework — America Succeeds + CompTIA. Opens in new tab.
  3. Developmental modeling — openly shares personal learning journeys and professional mistakes with junior practitioners to normalize growth-oriented behavior in the team Pathsmith Durable SkillsPathsmith Durable Skills Framework — America Succeeds + CompTIA. Opens in new tab.
Exceeding
  1. Paradigm flexibility — abandons well-established personal methodologies when superior evidence-based alternatives emerge, publicly championing the transition despite reputational investment in prior approaches Pathsmith Durable SkillsPathsmith Durable Skills Framework — America Succeeds + CompTIA. Opens in new tab.
  2. Organizational learning catalysis — embeds growth-mindset principles into the design of training and development programs, creating organizational conditions where sustained learning becomes a measurable workforce outcome Pathsmith Durable SkillsPathsmith Durable Skills Framework — America Succeeds + CompTIA. Opens in new tab. O*NET v30.2O*NET Resource Center — Occupational Information Network, v30.2 (Sept 2025). Opens in new tab.
9Mindfulness9 statements
Emerging
  1. Interview presence — maintains focused, non-distracted attention during worker observation and interview sessions to capture nuanced job requirement information accurately Pathsmith Durable SkillsPathsmith Durable Skills Framework — America Succeeds + CompTIA. Opens in new tab. O*NET v30.2O*NET Resource Center — Occupational Information Network, v30.2 (Sept 2025). Opens in new tab.
  2. Emotional awareness — recognizes personal emotional reactions when receiving critical feedback on research designs and manages responses before engaging in professional dialogue Pathsmith Durable SkillsPathsmith Durable Skills Framework — America Succeeds + CompTIA. Opens in new tab.
Developing
  1. Consultation intentionality — enters advisory sessions with organizational clients with a deliberate plan for listening and inquiry before offering recommendations Pathsmith Durable SkillsPathsmith Durable Skills Framework — America Succeeds + CompTIA. Opens in new tab. O*NET v30.2O*NET Resource Center — Occupational Information Network, v30.2 (Sept 2025). Opens in new tab.
  2. Cognitive load management — recognizes cognitive fatigue during extended data analysis projects and applies structured breaks to sustain analytical accuracy Pathsmith Durable SkillsPathsmith Durable Skills Framework — America Succeeds + CompTIA. Opens in new tab.
Applying
  1. High-stakes emotional regulation — maintains calm, objective demeanor when delivering unfavorable assessment or program evaluation findings to resistant senior stakeholders Pathsmith Durable SkillsPathsmith Durable Skills Framework — America Succeeds + CompTIA. Opens in new tab. O*NET v30.2O*NET Resource Center — Occupational Information Network, v30.2 (Sept 2025). Opens in new tab.
  2. Attentional discipline in complexity — sustains focused analytical attention across large, multi-variable workforce datasets without prematurely anchoring on salient but misleading patterns Pathsmith Durable SkillsPathsmith Durable Skills Framework — America Succeeds + CompTIA. Opens in new tab. O*NET v30.2O*NET Resource Center — Occupational Information Network, v30.2 (Sept 2025). Opens in new tab.
  3. Deliberate advisory pacing — pauses and reflects before responding to ambiguous organizational problems, resisting pressure to deliver premature conclusions that lack empirical grounding Pathsmith Durable SkillsPathsmith Durable Skills Framework — America Succeeds + CompTIA. Opens in new tab.
Exceeding
  1. Systemic awareness modeling — demonstrates and teaches intentional attention management practices to I-O teams, building collective capacity for reflective, evidence-based organizational consulting Pathsmith Durable SkillsPathsmith Durable Skills Framework — America Succeeds + CompTIA. Opens in new tab.
  2. Mindful organizational diagnosis — approaches complex change facilitation with present-moment attunement to group dynamics, adjusting facilitation strategy in real time based on observed emotional and relational signals Pathsmith Durable SkillsPathsmith Durable Skills Framework — America Succeeds + CompTIA. Opens in new tab. O*NET v30.2O*NET Resource Center — Occupational Information Network, v30.2 (Sept 2025). Opens in new tab.
10Fortitude10 statements
Emerging
  1. Persistence through ambiguity — continues job analysis work when organizational access is limited or job incumbents are uncooperative, adapting data-collection methods to maintain project momentum Pathsmith Durable SkillsPathsmith Durable Skills Framework — America Succeeds + CompTIA. Opens in new tab. O*NET v30.2O*NET Resource Center — Occupational Information Network, v30.2 (Sept 2025). Opens in new tab.
  2. Rejection resilience — maintains professional composure and analytical rigor when initial selection program designs are rejected by management and requires significant revision Pathsmith Durable SkillsPathsmith Durable Skills Framework — America Succeeds + CompTIA. Opens in new tab.
Developing
  1. Sustained long-cycle commitment — persists through multi-year longitudinal validation studies despite slow data accumulation and organizational impatience for actionable results Pathsmith Durable SkillsPathsmith Durable Skills Framework — America Succeeds + CompTIA. Opens in new tab. O*NET v30.2O*NET Resource Center — Occupational Information Network, v30.2 (Sept 2025). Opens in new tab.
  2. Adversarial context navigation — continues to advocate for evidence-based selection practices when organizational culture or leadership preference favors intuitive, unvalidated hiring approaches Pathsmith Durable SkillsPathsmith Durable Skills Framework — America Succeeds + CompTIA. Opens in new tab. O*NET v30.2O*NET Resource Center — Occupational Information Network, v30.2 (Sept 2025). Opens in new tab.
Applying
  1. High-stakes courage — presents empirically grounded but organizationally uncomfortable findings—such as adverse impact data or program ineffectiveness—to executive audiences without softening conclusions Pathsmith Durable SkillsPathsmith Durable Skills Framework — America Succeeds + CompTIA. Opens in new tab. O*NET v30.2O*NET Resource Center — Occupational Information Network, v30.2 (Sept 2025). Opens in new tab.
  2. Change resistance endurance — sustains organizational development facilitation through prolonged workforce resistance, political opposition, and scope volatility without abandoning the change strategy Pathsmith Durable SkillsPathsmith Durable Skills Framework — America Succeeds + CompTIA. Opens in new tab. O*NET v30.2O*NET Resource Center — Occupational Information Network, v30.2 (Sept 2025). Opens in new tab.
  3. Uncertainty tolerance — operates effectively in organizational diagnostic contexts where data is incomplete, causal structures are unclear, and client timelines demand action before certainty is achievable Pathsmith Durable SkillsPathsmith Durable Skills Framework — America Succeeds + CompTIA. Opens in new tab.
Exceeding
  1. Institutional courage — challenges organizational leadership or client requests that violate professional ethics or scientific standards, accepting reputational and commercial risk to uphold the integrity of practice Pathsmith Durable SkillsPathsmith Durable Skills Framework — America Succeeds + CompTIA. Opens in new tab.
  2. Field-level perseverance — sustains decades-long commitment to advancing rigorous, evidence-based people practices in organizations despite cyclical resistance from management trends that favor expedient over valid approaches Pathsmith Durable SkillsPathsmith Durable Skills Framework — America Succeeds + CompTIA. Opens in new tab.
  3. Crisis consultation resilience — maintains analytical effectiveness and advisory quality during organizational crises—such as mass layoffs, mergers, or discrimination litigation—where stakes are high and emotional pressure is extreme Pathsmith Durable SkillsPathsmith Durable Skills Framework — America Succeeds + CompTIA. Opens in new tab. O*NET v30.2O*NET Resource Center — Occupational Information Network, v30.2 (Sept 2025). Opens in new tab.
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Source anchors that ground each statement

Related titles
Consulting Psychologist · Engineering Psychologist · HR Consultant (Human Resources Consultant) · HR OD Consultant (Human Resources Organizational Development Consultant) · HR Psychologist (Human Resources Psychologist) · I-O Practitioner (Industrial-Organizational Practitioner) · I-O Psychologist (Industrial-Organizational Psychologist) · Industrial Psychologist · Learning and Organizational Development Specialist (Learning and OD Specialist) · Management Consultant · Management Psychologist · Occupational Psychologist
RAPIDS apprenticeships
O*NET skills
Active ListeningReading ComprehensionWritingSpeakingCritical ThinkingJudgment and Decision MakingSystems EvaluationComplex Problem SolvingActive LearningMonitoringSocial PerceptivenessSystems AnalysisSciencePersuasionCoordinationInstructingTime ManagementLearning StrategiesMathematicsOperations AnalysisManagement of Personnel ResourcesService OrientationNegotiation
Knowledge domains
Personnel and Human ResourcesPsychologyEducation and TrainingAdministration and ManagementMathematicsEnglish LanguageCustomer and Personal ServiceLaw and GovernmentSociology and AnthropologyComputers and Electronics
Abilities
Oral ExpressionWritten ComprehensionWritten ExpressionOral ComprehensionDeductive ReasoningInductive ReasoningInformation OrderingProblem SensitivitySpeech ClaritySpeech Recognition
Work styles
Intellectual CuriosityAttention to DetailAchievement OrientationInnovationIntegrityAdaptability
Technology
Document management softwareAnalytical or scientific softwareSpreadsheet softwareHuman resources softwareWeb platform development softwareComputer based training softwarePresentation softwareData base user interface and query softwareOffice suite softwareElectronic mail software
Tasks · seed anchors for statements
  1. Provide advice on best practices and implementation for selection.
  2. Develop and implement employee selection or placement programs.
  3. Analyze data, using statistical methods and applications, to evaluate the outcomes and effectiveness of workplace programs.
  4. Develop interview techniques, rating scales, and psychological tests used to assess skills, abilities, and interests for the purpose of employee selection, placement, or promotion.
  5. Observe and interview workers to obtain information about the physical, mental, and educational requirements of jobs, as well as information about aspects such as job satisfaction.
  6. Facilitate organizational development and change.
  7. Analyze job requirements and content to establish criteria for classification, selection, training, and other related personnel functions.
  8. Advise management concerning personnel, managerial, and marketing policies and practices and their potential effects on organizational effectiveness and efficiency.
CIP education codes
42.010142.2804

Sources: O*NET v30.2 (CC BY 4.0), SkillsCrosswalk.com, LER.me, Anthropic Economic Index, SAFI (Jadhav & Danve, 2026), WEF Skills Taxonomy 2021, Pathsmith Durable Skills Framework. © 2026 EBSCOed.