How to Select the Best People for Artificial Intelligence Jobs (Part 2)



Two artificial intelligence professionals, a Black woman with locs and a Black man with a shaved head, beard, and glasses, are sitting in front of dual computer monitors, and the woman is gesturing as if she is giving instructions about coding.

This is part two of Hogan’s three-part blog series on selecting and developing artificial intelligence (AI) professionals. In the first installment, we discussed the demand that led to the launch of this project. This time, we’ll explain the research process and the application of the selection profile.

Hogan partnered with consulting firms and clients around the world to improve selection accuracy for AI professionals. Based on our research, we defined AI professionals as individual contributors who are responsible for working with computers to analyze information, interpret and communicate that information to the company to drive strategy and decision-making, and develop and implement solutions to manage data.

Hogan developed a scientifically valid screening tool to identify specific competencies, characteristics, and values that predict job success for AI professionals. Hogan then used this information to build a custom Artificial Intelligence Professionals personality profile using the Hogan Personality Inventory (HPI), Hogan Development Survey (HDS), and Motives, Values, Preferences Inventory (MVPI). This profile enables companies to select higher-performing AI professional candidates.

Our research involved two steps. First, we conducted a job analysis. We reviewed job descriptions from O*NET for AI professional jobs, including business intelligence analysts, software developers, data engineers/scientists, and machine-learning specialists. We also conducted focus groups with subject-matter experts, and they completed a quantitative online job analysis survey.

Second, Hogan used validity generalization strategies including job family meta-analysis and synthetic/job component validity to identify the HPI- and HDS-based predictors of successful performance in AI professional jobs. Job analysis results provided evidence for relevant MVPI scales.

Hogan determined that successful AI professionals adapt to new changes and are energized by the challenge of their work. They take initiative to solve problems and can tolerate the more tedious aspects of working with data. In addition, AI professionals have a drive to seek out knowledge and update themselves on new developments related to their work.

By incorporating Hogan’s Artificial Intelligence Professionals personality profile into the candidate assessment process, companies can more effectively select AI professional candidates with the characteristics most important for success in their profession. Hogan’s research shows that if they choose to use our assessments in the selection process, companies can expect to see a 21% improvement in overall accuracy, selecting 10.5% more good hires and avoiding 10.5% more bad hires.

If you are interested in using the Artificial Intelligence Professionals profile for your organization, Hogan has developed a variety of personality- and competency-based reporting options that can help your organization evaluate candidates for AI jobs. To learn more about how you can use the profile, contact your local Hogan distributor or email info@hoganassessments.com.