Biographical Dat A Better Predictor Of College Student Success

Biographical Data
It is understood that most companies operate on a fairly small budget. Researchers have found that another way to examine applicants at a relatively low cost is by analyzing their biographical data. This information can be obtained through resumes and face-to-face interviews, rather than lengthy and costly tests. Biographical data is defined as information about a person’s background in the particular area of topic. That specific information, when examined correctly, can shed light on the future characteristics one might possess, in regards work performance. Employers must be trained in how to adequately code biographical data in a way that is useful in correlating to the P/O fit dimensions they have chosen (Russel, 1990).

Oswald, Schmitt, Kim, Ramsay, & Gillespie conducted a survey to determine if, when biographical data was measured against SAT/ACT scores and other measures, it biographical data was a better predictor of college success. Researchers created their twelve dimensions of reference by examining college mission statements. Applicants were presented with situational analysis measures, in which they were to respond to complex problems. By coding scores from a narrow, multiple-choice, biographical data inventory rather than the common open-ended inventory, researchers were able to measure scores against performance. Research found it is SJI measures, combined with bio-data scores, were better predictors of future college performance than grade point average (Oswald, 2004). It is the purpose of this research to determine if biographical data can predict more than just academic success on college campuses, but success in organizations such as fraternities and sororities as

Although, when it comes to recruitment and selection for jobs, they are quite similar. The process is a lengthy, four day, interview. Potential new members are transported from chapter house to chapter house, where they are instructed to ask questions about the chapter in particular, all while trying to sell themselves to the current members. The process can be likened to an interview, although it’s one where both parties are trying to hide the fact that a formal “interview” is taking place. Before recruitment even starts, potential new members will have done research on each chapter. For that reason, it is important that each chapter clearly and yet adequately incorporates their values and achievements onto their website. New members will then have an idea in their mind of their potential fit with a sorority, before even speaking with their members. Recruiting on the World Wide Web has become the new normality for recruitment in any form (Dineen, Ash, Noe, 2002). It is important sorority chapter websites incorporate their mission in an easy to read location, selling themselves to their “applicants” before even meeting