Work Profiling is designed to give a quick, detailed picture of a jobs requirements and the human attributes likely to be needed in a jobholder in order to fulfill those requirements. The human attributes are described as competencies. These competencies can be measured in applicants for the position using the Occupational Personality Test which assists in choosing the best-fit candidate for the position.
The Work Profiling System (WPS) is an integrated job analysis system. It is designed to give a quick, detailed picture of a jobs requirements and the human attributes likely to be needed in a jobholder in order to fulfill those requirements.
A short explanation of the WPS is as follows:
THE WPS PROCESS
Information Collection using Questionnaires
Key Job Tasks Key Responsibilities
Processing Using WPS Software
(Core Human Attributes Required by the Job)
Output using WPS Software
Competencies
Job Description
Relevant Selection Methods
Person Specification
Individual Development Planner
Performance Review Form
Application
Selection
Training and Development
Job Evaluation
Information is collected about a job in a structured way from 2 - 4 people who are currently doing the job through questionnaires. The information is then computer analysed to meet a variety of objectives, including:
- Providing a profile of job tasks and context
- Providing a profile of human attributes required for effective job performance
- Identifying relevant assessment methods
- Identifying training requirements
The WPS provides a detailed picture of a job in terms of the most important TASKS that need to be performed and the ATTRIBUTES that are needed to perform these tasks.
The Work Profiling System comprises two basic elements:
- Collecting the job information
- Producing reports
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Collecting Job Information
The WPS gathers information about jobs through respondents completing a questionnaire. Three questionnaires are currently available:
- Manual and Technical
- Service and Administrative
- Managerial and Professional
These are identical in format, but cover different aspects of jobs to reflect the various demands of different jobs across the whole economy.
The WPS questionnaire can be administered by paper and pencil administration or the questionnaire items may be presented on a PC.
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Producing Reports
The data collected by the questionnaires require computer scoring and analysis. Reports are then produced collating all the information gained to describe what the job involves, and what attributes and abilities are required for an individual to perform that job effectively.
A number of reports are also available. These are geared to supply summaries of key information in a user-friendly format, including:
- A Job Description - which presents a summary of key job tasks and accountabilities
- A Person Specification - which specifies the key education, experience, ability and personality requirements, and presents a guideline profile chart for interpreting data
- An Assessment Methods Report - which identifies the assessment methods most appropriate for assessing the identified skills and attributes at the appropriate level.
- An Individual Development Planner - which structures the analysis of an individual's training needs against key job criteria.
- A Performance Review Form - which structures the appraisal or review of an individual's performance against key job criteria.
- Interview Schedule - provides a menu of interview questions against each of the job's key areas.