Occupation AtlasIndustrial-Organizational Psychologists
O*NET · 19-3032.00
Industrial-Organizational Psychologists
Apply principles of psychology to human resources, administration, management, sales, and marketing problems. Activities may include policy planning; employee testing and selection, training, and development; and organizational development and analysis. May work with management to organize the work setting to improve worker productivity.
Also called Consulting Psychologist · Engineering Psychologist · HR Consultant · HR Consultant (Human Resources Consultant) · HR OD Consultant · HR OD Consultant (Human Resources Organizational Development Consultant) · HR Psychologist · HR Psychologist (Human Resources Psychologist)
29 more
I-O Practitioner · I-O Practitioner (Industrial-Organizational Practitioner) · I-O Psychologist · I-O Psychologist (Industrial-Organizational Psychologist) · Industrial Psychologist · Learning and OD Specialist · Learning and Organizational Development Specialist (Learning and OD Specialist) · Management Consultant · Management Psychologist · Occupational Psychologist · OD Analyst · OD and Training Specialist · OD Consultant · OD Specialist · Organizational Consultant · Organizational Development Analyst (OD Analyst) · Organizational Development and Training Specialist (OD and Training Specialist) · Organizational Development Consultant (OD Consultant) · Organizational Development Specialist (OD Specialist) · Organizational Psychologist · Organizational Research Consultant · Personnel Psychologist · Personnel Research Psychologist · Policy Advisor · Policy Officer · Psychologist · Research Scientist · Staffing Consultant · Training Specialist
Job Zone
- 1
- 2
- 3
- 4
- 5
Zone 5: Extensive Preparation Needed
Extensive preparation. Usually a graduate degree, with extensive skill, knowledge and experience — many of these occupations expect more than five years of experience.
Job Zone is O*NET's rating of how much education, experience and training an occupation typically needs — a property of the work, not of anyone doing it.
Occupational interest profile
IECInvestigative · Enterprising · Conventional — the three strongest interests, in order
- I Investigative5.34
- E Enterprising4.71
- C Conventional4.28
- S Social3.99
- A Artistic3.13
- R Realistic1.05
RIASEC (Holland) interests on O*NET's 0–7 scale: what the work draws on, not what any individual prefers. Hover a row for what each dimension means.
Education and experience
The education level respondents say the job requires, and the most common answer for experience and training.
- Related work experience
- Over 2 years, up to and including 4 years (27%)
- On-site or in-plant training
- None (42%)
- On-the-job training
- Anything beyond short demonstration, up to and including 1 month (27%)
Typically associated skills
All 35 O*NET skills, most important first. Importance (1–5) says how much a skill matters here; level (0–7) says how much of it the work calls for, with O*NET's example of a nearby level. Neither is a proficiency rating of a person.
- Reading ComprehensionbasicImportance 4.4Level 4.8Level 4 looks like: Understand an email from management describing new personnel policies
- Active ListeningbasicImportance 4.4Level 4.6Level 4 looks like: Answer inquiries regarding credit references
- WritingbasicImportance 4.3Level 4.9Level 4 looks like: Write an email to staff outlining new directives
- SpeakingbasicImportance 4.1Level 4.6Level 4 looks like: Interview applicants to obtain personal and work history
- Critical ThinkingbasicImportance 4.1Level 4.5Level 4 looks like: Evaluate customer complaints and determine appropriate responses
- Judgment and Decision MakingImportance 4.1Level 4.0Level 4 looks like: Evaluate a loan application for degree of risk
- Systems EvaluationImportance 4.0Level 4.5Level 4 looks like: Identify the reasons why a client might be unhappy with a product
- Complex Problem SolvingImportance 4.0Level 4.1Level 4 looks like: Redesign a floor layout to take advantage of new manufacturing techniques
- MonitoringbasicImportance 3.9Level 4.3Level 4 looks like: Monitor a meeting and revise the agenda to ensure important topics are discussed
- Systems AnalysisImportance 3.9Level 4.3Level 4 looks like: Determine how a new piece of equipment will affect production rates
- Active LearningbasicImportance 3.9Level 4.1Level 4 looks like: Determine the impact of new menu changes on a restaurant's purchasing requirements
- Social PerceptivenessImportance 3.9Level 4.1Level 4 looks like: Be aware of how a coworker's promotion will affect a work group
Show the other 23
- CoordinationImportance 3.8Level 4.0Level 4 looks like: Work with others to put a new roof on a house
- PersuasionImportance 3.8Level 3.9Level 4 looks like: Convince a supervisor to purchase new office equipment
- SciencebasicImportance 3.8Level 3.9Level 4 looks like: Conduct product tests to ensure safety standards are met
- Learning StrategiesbasicImportance 3.6Level 4.0Level 4 looks like: Identify an alternative approach to help trainees who are having difficulties
- InstructingImportance 3.6Level 3.9Level 4 looks like: Instruct a coworker in how to operate a software program
- Time ManagementImportance 3.6Level 3.8Level 4 looks like: Allocate the time of subordinates to projects for the coming week
- MathematicsbasicImportance 3.5Level 3.9Level 4 looks like: Calculate the square footage of a new home under construction
- Operations AnalysisImportance 3.5Level 3.5Level 4 looks like: Suggest changes in software to make a system more user friendly
- Management of Personnel ResourcesImportance 3.4Level 4.0Level 4 looks like: Direct the activities of a road repair crew with minimal disruption of traffic flow
- Service OrientationImportance 3.4Level 3.5Level 4 looks like: Make flight reservations for customers using an online booking site
- NegotiationImportance 3.3Level 3.3Level 4 looks like: Contract with a wholesaler to sell items at a given cost
- ProgrammingImportance 2.8Level 2.9Level 2 looks like: Write a program to sort objects in a database
- Management of Financial ResourcesImportance 2.1Level 2.4Level 2 looks like: Use available funds to buy office supplies and record the amount of the purchase
- Management of Material ResourcesImportance 2.1Level 2.1Level 2 looks like: Reserve a room for a management meeting
- Quality Control AnalysisImportance 2.0Level 2.0Level 2 looks like: Inspect a draft email for errors (e.g., grammar, punctuation)
- Operations MonitoringImportance 2.0Level 1.8Level 2 looks like: Monitor completion times while running a computer program
- Technology DesignImportance 1.9Level 1.1Level 2 looks like: Adjust exercise equipment for use by a customer
- Equipment MaintenanceImportance 1.0Level —
- Equipment SelectionImportance 1.0Level —
- InstallationImportance 1.0Level —
- Operation and ControlImportance 1.0Level —
- RepairingImportance 1.0Level —
- TroubleshootingImportance 1.0Level —
Tasks
23 core · 2 supplementalWhat people in this occupation do, as O*NET records it, core tasks first by importance (1–5).
- Provide advice on best practices and implementation for selection.Importance 4.7
- Develop and implement employee selection or placement programs.Importance 4.6
- Develop interview techniques, rating scales, and psychological tests used to assess skills, abilities, and interests for the purpose of employee selection, placement, or promotion.Importance 4.5
- Analyze data, using statistical methods and applications, to evaluate the outcomes and effectiveness of workplace programs.Importance 4.5
- 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.Importance 4.4
- Analyze job requirements and content to establish criteria for classification, selection, training, and other related personnel functions.Importance 4.3
- Facilitate organizational development and change.Importance 4.3
- Advise management concerning personnel, managerial, and marketing policies and practices and their potential effects on organizational effectiveness and efficiency.Importance 4.2
- Conduct presentations on research findings for clients or at research meetings.Importance 4.2
- Coach senior executives and managers on leadership and performance.Importance 4.1
- Identify training and development needs.Importance 4.0
- Assess employee performance.Importance 4.0
Show the other 13
- Conduct individual assessments, including interpreting measures and providing feedback for selection, placement, or promotion.Importance 4.0
- Train clients to administer human resources functions, including testing, selection, and performance management.Importance 4.0
- Formulate and implement training programs, applying principles of learning and individual differences.Importance 3.9
- Study organizational effectiveness, productivity, and efficiency, including the nature of workplace supervision and leadership.Importance 3.8
- Conduct research studies of physical work environments, organizational structures, communication systems, group interactions, morale, or motivation to assess organizational functioning.Importance 3.7
- Provide expert testimony in employment lawsuits.Importance 3.7
- Write reports on research findings and implications to contribute to general knowledge or to suggest potential changes in organizational functioning.Importance 3.6
- Write articles, white papers, or reports to share research findings and educate others.Importance 3.6
- Develop new business by contacting potential clients, making sales presentations, and writing proposals.Importance 3.6
- Review research literature to remain current on psychological science issues.Importance 3.5
- Counsel workers about job and career-related issues.Importance 3.0
- Participate in mediation and dispute resolution.Importance 2.8
- Study consumers' reactions to new products and package designs, and to advertising efforts, using surveys and tests.Importance 2.6
Knowledge
Bodies of knowledge the work draws on.
- Personnel and Human ResourcesImportance 4.9Level 6.5Level 7 looks like: Design a new personnel selection and promotion system for the Army
- PsychologyImportance 4.8Level 5.9
- Education and TrainingImportance 4.5Level 6.5Level 7 looks like: Design a training program for new employees
- Administration and ManagementImportance 4.0Level 4.7Level 4 looks like: Monitor progress of a project to ensure timely completion
- MathematicsImportance 4.0Level 4.9Level 4 looks like: Analyze data to determine areas with the highest sales
- English LanguageImportance 3.8Level 5.2Level 4 looks like: Edit an article for a news website
- Customer and Personal ServiceImportance 3.6Level 4.7Level 4 looks like: Be responsible for 10 children at daycare
- Law and GovernmentImportance 3.4Level 3.8Level 4 looks like: Prepare documents and title papers for the purchase of a new house
Show all 33
- Sociology and AnthropologyImportance 3.4Level 4.4Level 4 looks like: Write an article about cultural differences
- Computers and ElectronicsImportance 3.2Level 4.2Level 4 looks like: Use a computer to format a document
- Communications and MediaImportance 2.9Level 3.5Level 4 looks like: Host a music radio show
- AdministrativeImportance 2.7Level 4.1Level 4 looks like: Type 30 words per minute
- Therapy and CounselingImportance 2.7Level 3.1Level 4 looks like: Provide job counseling to the unemployed
- Sales and MarketingImportance 2.5Level 3.4Level 4 looks like: Introduce clients to a new line of products
- Philosophy and TheologyImportance 1.9Level 2.1Level 1 looks like: Watch a TV show on family values
- Economics and AccountingImportance 1.8Level 1.7Level 1 looks like: Answer billing questions from credit card customers
- Engineering and TechnologyImportance 1.7Level 1.1Level 1 looks like: Install a door lock
- Public Safety and SecurityImportance 1.7Level 1.2Level 1 looks like: Use a seatbelt
- Production and ProcessingImportance 1.6Level 1.2Level 1 looks like: Put a computer back into its packing materials
- TelecommunicationsImportance 1.6Level 0.9Level 1 looks like: Send an email
- Foreign LanguageImportance 1.5Level 0.7Level 1 looks like: Say "please" and "thank you" in a foreign language
- BiologyImportance 1.4Level —
- DesignImportance 1.4Level 1.0Level 1 looks like: Draw a straight line 4 3/16 inches long
- GeographyImportance 1.4Level 1.2Level 1 looks like: Know the capital of the United States
- TransportationImportance 1.4Level —
- History and ArcheologyImportance 1.3Level 0.8Level 1 looks like: Take a class in US history
- Fine ArtsImportance 1.2Level —
- MechanicalImportance 1.2Level —
- Medicine and DentistryImportance 1.2Level —
- Building and ConstructionImportance 1.1Level —
- ChemistryImportance 1.1Level —
- Food ProductionImportance 1.1Level —
- PhysicsImportance 1.1Level —
Abilities
Enduring capacities the work calls for.
- Oral ExpressionImportance 4.4Level 4.9Level 4 looks like: Give instructions to a lost motorist
- Written ComprehensionImportance 4.4Level 4.9Level 4 looks like: Understand an apartment lease
- Oral ComprehensionImportance 4.3Level 4.8Level 4 looks like: Understand a coach's oral instructions for a sport
- Written ExpressionImportance 4.3Level 4.9Level 4 looks like: Write a job recommendation for a subordinate
- Deductive ReasoningImportance 4.1Level 4.6Level 5 looks like: Decide what factors to consider in selecting stocks
- Inductive ReasoningImportance 4.1Level 4.1Level 4 looks like: Determine the prime suspect based on crime scene evidence
- Information OrderingImportance 4.0Level 4.0Level 2 looks like: Follow the correct steps to make change
- Problem SensitivityImportance 4.0Level 4.3Level 4 looks like: Notice from a subtle difference in a client's mood that something is bothering them
Show all 52
- Speech ClarityImportance 4.0Level 4.3Level 4 looks like: Make stadium-wide announcements during a sporting event
- Speech RecognitionImportance 4.0Level 4.1Level 4 looks like: Identify a former customer's voice over the phone
- Fluency of IdeasImportance 3.9Level 4.3Level 4 looks like: Think of as many ideas as possible for the name of a new company
- Mathematical ReasoningImportance 3.9Level 3.9Level 4 looks like: Decide how to calculate profits to determine the amounts of yearly bonuses
- OriginalityImportance 3.9Level 4.0Level 4 looks like: Redesign job tasks to be interesting for employees
- Category FlexibilityImportance 3.8Level 4.0Level 3 looks like: Classify flowers according to size, color, and smell
- Near VisionImportance 3.8Level 3.9
- Number FacilityImportance 3.1Level 3.6Level 3 looks like: Calculate a discounted price
- Selective AttentionImportance 3.1Level 2.8Level 2 looks like: Answer a business call with coworkers talking nearby
- Far VisionImportance 3.0Level 3.4Level 4 looks like: Read the slides on a presentation from across a room
- Flexibility of ClosureImportance 2.9Level 3.0Level 2 looks like: Detect that your phone is ringing while at a concert
- Perceptual SpeedImportance 2.8Level 2.8Level 2 looks like: Sort mail according to ZIP codes with no time pressure
- Speed of ClosureImportance 2.8Level 3.0Level 3 looks like: Recognize a song after hearing only the first few notes
- MemorizationImportance 2.6Level 3.0Level 4 looks like: Recite the first names of the five people you just met
- VisualizationImportance 2.6Level 2.4Level 2 looks like: Imagine how to place paper in a printer so that the letterhead comes out on top
- Time SharingImportance 2.3Level 2.5Level 2 looks like: Listen to music while entering numbers into a spreadsheet
- Visual Color DiscriminationImportance 2.1Level 1.8Level 1 looks like: Separate laundry into colors and whites
- Hearing SensitivityImportance 1.9Level 1.3Level 2 looks like: Notice a doorbell ringing
- Auditory AttentionImportance 1.8Level 0.8
- Depth PerceptionImportance 1.5Level 0.5
- Finger DexterityImportance 1.5Level 0.8
- Trunk StrengthImportance 1.4Level 0.5
- Arm-Hand SteadinessImportance 1.0Level —
- Control PrecisionImportance 1.0Level —
- Dynamic FlexibilityImportance 1.0Level —
- Dynamic StrengthImportance 1.0Level —
- Explosive StrengthImportance 1.0Level —
- Extent FlexibilityImportance 1.0Level —
- Glare SensitivityImportance 1.0Level —
- Gross Body CoordinationImportance 1.0Level —
- Gross Body EquilibriumImportance 1.0Level —
- Manual DexterityImportance 1.0Level —
- Multilimb CoordinationImportance 1.0Level —
- Night VisionImportance 1.0Level —
- Peripheral VisionImportance 1.0Level —
- Rate ControlImportance 1.0Level —
- Reaction TimeImportance 1.0Level —
- Response OrientationImportance 1.0Level —
- Sound LocalizationImportance 1.0Level —
- Spatial OrientationImportance 1.0Level —
- Speed of Limb MovementImportance 1.0Level —
- StaminaImportance 1.0Level —
- Static StrengthImportance 1.0Level —
- Wrist-Finger SpeedImportance 1.0Level —
Work activities
Kinds of activity the work is made of.
- Providing Consultation and Advice to OthersImportance 4.8Level 6.5Level 7 looks like: Provide ideas for changing an organization to increase profitability
- Getting InformationImportance 4.7Level 5.4Level 4 looks like: Review a budget
- Making Decisions and Solving ProblemsImportance 4.7Level 5.4Level 4 looks like: Select the location for a major retail store
- Analyzing Data or InformationImportance 4.6Level 5.8
- Establishing and Maintaining Interpersonal RelationshipsImportance 4.6Level 5.9
- Interpreting the Meaning of Information for OthersImportance 4.6Level 5.3Level 4 looks like: Interpret how foreign tax laws apply to U.S. exports
- Working with ComputersImportance 4.6Level 3.6Level 4 looks like: Write software for keeping track of parts in inventory
- Communicating with Supervisors, Peers, or SubordinatesImportance 4.5Level 6.0Level 7 looks like: Create and deliver a presentation on a company's internal policies
Show all 41
- Processing InformationImportance 4.5Level 5.9
- Organizing, Planning, and Prioritizing WorkImportance 4.4Level 6.0Level 7 looks like: Prioritize and plan multiple tasks several months ahead
- Updating and Using Relevant KnowledgeImportance 4.4Level 5.5Level 4 looks like: Keep current on changes in maintenance procedures for repairing sports cars
- Coaching and Developing OthersImportance 4.3Level 5.6
- Training and Teaching OthersImportance 4.2Level 5.6
- Developing Objectives and StrategiesImportance 4.1Level 4.7Level 4 looks like: Develop the plan to complete the merger of two organizations over a 3-year period
- Communicating with People Outside the OrganizationImportance 4.0Level 5.2Level 4 looks like: Present information to potential clients about available services
- Evaluating Information to Determine Compliance with StandardsImportance 4.0Level 4.7Level 4 looks like: Evaluate a complicated insurance claim for compliance with policy terms
- Developing and Building TeamsImportance 3.9Level 4.5Level 4 looks like: Lead an assembly team in an automobile plant
- Documenting/Recording InformationImportance 3.9Level 4.2Level 4 looks like: Document the results of a crime scene investigation
- Judging the Qualities of Objects, Services, or PeopleImportance 3.9Level 4.9Level 4 looks like: Determine the value of property lost in a fire
- Identifying Objects, Actions, and EventsImportance 3.7Level 4.9Level 4 looks like: Judge the suitability of food products for an event
- Staffing Organizational UnitsImportance 3.7Level 5.6
- Coordinating the Work and Activities of OthersImportance 3.6Level 4.6Level 4 looks like: Organize the cleanup crew after a major sporting event
- Guiding, Directing, and Motivating SubordinatesImportance 3.6Level 4.9Level 4 looks like: Manage a small team of employees in a dynamic workplace
- Thinking CreativelyImportance 3.6Level 4.8Level 4 looks like: Adapt popular music for a high school marching band
- Resolving Conflicts and Negotiating with OthersImportance 3.4Level 4.9Level 4 looks like: Get two subordinates to agree about vacation schedules
- Selling or Influencing OthersImportance 3.4Level 4.3Level 4 looks like: Make a sales pitch to convince others to buy a product
- Scheduling Work and ActivitiesImportance 3.3Level 4.3Level 4 looks like: Prepare the work schedule for salesclerks in a large retail store
- Performing Administrative ActivitiesImportance 3.0Level 3.7Level 4 looks like: Complete tax forms for a small business
- Estimating the Quantifiable Characteristics of Products, Events, or InformationImportance 2.9Level 3.2Level 4 looks like: Estimate the time required to evacuate a city in the event of a major disaster
- Monitoring Processes, Materials, or SurroundingsImportance 2.8Level 3.7Level 4 looks like: Test electrical circuits
- Monitoring and Controlling ResourcesImportance 2.8Level 3.5Level 4 looks like: Work as a chef responsible for ordering food for the menu
- Assisting and Caring for OthersImportance 2.4Level 2.5Level 1 looks like: Help a coworker complete an assignment
- Performing for or Working Directly with the PublicImportance 2.0Level 2.2Level 1 looks like: Check tickets at a concert
- Performing General Physical ActivitiesImportance 1.4Level 0.5Level 1 looks like: Walk between workstations in a small office
- Inspecting Equipment, Structures, or MaterialsImportance 1.3Level —
- Controlling Machines and ProcessesImportance 1.2Level —
- Handling and Moving ObjectsImportance 1.2Level —
- Repairing and Maintaining Electronic EquipmentImportance 1.1Level —
- Drafting, Laying Out, and Specifying Technical Devices, Parts, and EquipmentImportance 1.0Level —
- Operating Vehicles, Mechanized Devices, or EquipmentImportance 1.0Level —
- Repairing and Maintaining Mechanical EquipmentImportance 1.0Level —
Work context
The conditions most characteristic of the work, on O*NET's 1–5 context scale.
Technology
29 toolsSoftware used in this work. In demand: among the tools job postings for this occupation name most. Hot: often named in job postings across the economy.
Hot (14)
- Adobe Acrobat
- Google Sheets
- Hypertext markup language HTML
- IBM SPSS Statistics
- Microsoft Access
- Microsoft Excel
- Microsoft Office software
- Microsoft Outlook
- Microsoft PowerPoint
- Microsoft Project
- Microsoft Visio
- Microsoft Word
- Oracle PeopleSoft
- SAS
Other tools (15)
- Assessment Systems Corporation XCALIBRE
- Human resource information system (HRIS)
- Learning management system LMS
- Mentimeter
- Muthen & Muthen Mplus
- Padlet
- Psychometric testing software
- Scientific Software International BILOG-MG
- Scientific Software International HLM
- Scientific Software International LISREL
- Scientific Software International MULTILOG
- Scientific Software International PARSCALE
- Scientific Software International TESTFACT
- Web browser software
- Winsteps
Related occupations
O*NET's own list of the occupations most related to this one, closest first.
ESCO equivalents
From the official ESCO–O*NET crosswalk, strongest match first. A broader occupation takes in this one; a narrower one is a part of it.
Closest occupations
Compare any occupation →Other O*NET occupations whose importance ratings on the 35 skills both rate are nearest to this one's, with the biggest differences named. A plain rule, not a hidden score.
Epidemiologists
Average difference 0.2 points · Programming −1.2, Persuasion −0.7
O*NET · Zone 5 · Compare
Preventive Medicine Physicians
Average difference 0.2 points · Programming −1.3, Operations Analysis −0.6
O*NET · Zone 5 · Compare
Chief Sustainability Officers
Average difference 0.3 points · Science −1.7, Operation and Control +1.0
O*NET · Zone 5 · Compare
Neurologists
Average difference 0.3 points · Operations Analysis −1.4, Programming −1.0
O*NET · Zone 5 · Compare
Management Analysts
Average difference 0.3 points · Science −1.9, Programming −0.9
O*NET · Zone 4 · Compare
Survey Researchers
Average difference 0.3 points · Operations Analysis −0.9, Science −0.9
O*NET · Zone 5 · Compare
Medical and Health Services Managers
Average difference 0.3 points · Science −1.3, Management of Financial Resources +1.2
O*NET · Zone 4 · Compare
Physician Assistants
Average difference 0.3 points · Troubleshooting +1.0, Operations Analysis −0.9
O*NET · Zone 5 · Compare
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This page includes information from the O*NET 31.0 Database by the U.S. Department of Labor, Employment and Training Administration (USDOL/ETA), used under the CC BY 4.0 license; O*NET® is a trademark of USDOL/ETA. ESCO occupations and skills are from the European Commission's ESCO classification, and the occupation crosswalk is the official ESCO–O*NET mapping by the ESCO Secretariat with USDOL/ETA. This service uses the ESCO classification of the European Commission. BlissPoint Analytics has modified all or some of this information: skill, task and descriptor ratings are rounded to one decimal, and ESCO occupations show Job Zone and interests copied from a crosswalked O*NET occupation. USDOL/ETA has not approved, endorsed, or tested these modifications.