Referral Applicants

While exchanging emails with a long time Orion user, I was reminded that, even for me, using the Orion is not always like riding a bike. It requires reminders or revisiting best practices. Today, I’d like to revisit a subject that doesn’t get a lot of discussion, but I know it occurs often.

Referral Applicants: Applicants who are friends or family members of your existing staff.

People in this group might also be a referral from a friend, client or family member.

When processing an Orion, people in this group are more likely to have an elevated validity ranking, which in turn may cause scale results which are falsely negative. Is this always the case? No.

This group of applicants share a characteristic that separates them from the standard applicant. They know somebody affiliated with your organization. Consequently, they consciously, or subconsciously, believe they have an advantage. Because of this, it is difficult for them to respond the way they feel. This does not mean they are consciously being misleading. As you all know, you can’t use the Orion with existing employees. The reason is essentially the same. When someone feels they have something to protect, they will respond in a manner that protects or supports that belief.

Should you run the Orion? Yes. If for no other reason, you want that person to know they are not receiving special treatment because they know somebody. Further, you avoid the potential of being accused of discriminating.

Simply take the results with a grain of salt and carefully interview the applicant about any flags raised by the Orion.

I hope this reminder is useful for you. As always, let us know if you have any questions.