Realistic Job Preview – A Dose of Reality

JoAnn BagshawPA State Civil Service Commission

717.787.5974, Ext. 3560JBagshaw@state.pa.us

MAPAC – April 19-21, 2006

What is a Realistic Job Preview?

Gives small dose of job reality Provides factual information Helps make a “job fit” decision

Realistic Versus TraditionalJob Preview

Wanous, J. P. (1973). Effects of a realistic job preview on job acceptance, job attitudes, and job survival. Journal of Applied Psychology, 58, 327-332.

Wanous, J. P. (1975). Tell it like it is at realistic job previews. Personnel, 52, 50-60.

Wanous, J. P. (1973)

Realistic Impact:

Lower job expectations Fewer thoughts of quitting Higher job survival/satisfaction rates No noticeable impact on job

acceptance rates

Aide Trainee

Job Analysis Study – 1987

High turnover Unrealistic job expectations Need to update exam.

Use of RJP – Survey(1988)

Survey population = 77 Response rate = 61% (#47)

Survey results: Rate using RJPs = 28% (#13) Type of RJPs:

8 = Willingness/Conditions of employment questionnaires

4 = Study/test materials 3 = Tours 2 (1 planning) = Videos 1 = Public meetings 1 = Job Sims. (Observation Sessions) 1 = Fact/Info. sheets

Aide Trainee ProgramRecruitment & Selection

Willingness questionnaire RJP video Video-based job simulations

Retention Practice – Give an RJP

Who’s Doing It?

PA SCSC:

Aide Trainee Corrections Officer Trainee County Caseworker Wildlife Conservation Officer Trainee

Retention Practice – Give an RJP

Who’s Doing It?

Other Public Organizations:

City of Los Angeles – Detention Officers City of Vancouver Police Department – Police Officers Oklahoma State Merit System – Correctional Officers State of California – Golden State Career Videos

Private Employers:

BellSouth – Various jobs Dungarvin – Direct Support Professionals

When should RJPs be placed in the hiring process?

Ideally, early in the sequence of hiring events

How do I develop an RJP?

Identify motivator(s) Reaction to workforce challenge Pro-action to avoid future problems

Conduct job analysis/organization diagnosis

Design/Develop RJP

How should I present the RJP? Written

Test announcements Brochures/Booklets Willingness questionnaires Work simulation study/test materials

Multimedia Videos Audio clips/recordings

Verbal/Other Web (written, video, still photos, and/or audio clips) Facility tours to include Q&R sessions Structured interviews

Why use RJPs?

Improve employee job satisfaction Reduce voluntary turnover Enhance communication through

honesty and openness Realistic job expectations