New TCIE service for businesses matches skills to jobs

BUFFALO, N.Y. — The University at Buffalo Center for Industrial Effectiveness (TCIE) has a new tool to help companies make smarter hiring, promotion and training decisions.

TCIE now provides the ACT® WorkKeys® job profiling service, which systematically defines the most critical tasks of a particular job and the skills that are essential to performing it effectively.

“Our center’s mission is to help businesses operate more optimally. With this addition, we can offer better support by focusing attention on the underlying force behind an organization’s success: its employees,” said Timothy Leyh, TCIE executive director. “Job profiling is a great way to create better alignment between a position and the skills required of the person who fills it.”

Services will be provided by Amy Moore, TCIE’s ACT authorized job profiler who has experience with job analysis and other human resource matters; facilitation; developing and implementing training programs; as well as familiarity with federal regulations related to employment procedures.

Job profiling entails creating an initial task list for a job, customizing the list with input from company subject matter experts, and linking tasks to appropriate WorkKeys-identified skills and levels of those skills needed for on-the-job success. Companies receive a detailed report for each profile conducted.

“Employers are using job profiling for a number of reasons,” Moore said. “Some have found our content validity report beneficial for hiring and advancing the right candidates, with the goal of reducing turnover. Others use it as a method for setting training goals. And as baby boomers continue to retire over the next few years, it’s an ideal avenue for capturing the scope of a job — including tribal knowledge — and the skills required for successful performance.”     

For employers that want to evaluate whether an employee — or potential employee — possesses the WorkKeys skills relevant to the job that is profiled, TCIE is available to administer a WorkKeys national cognitive assessment. Services are provided in Erie, Niagara, Chautauqua, Cattaraugus and Allegany counties.    

For more information about ACT WorkKeys job profiling or related assessments, call TCIE at 716-645-8800.

TCIE is Western New York's bridge to excellence; it provides a dynamic link between UB’s expert resources and the region’s business community. Its core focus on engineering solutions and operational excellence drives continual improvements, and ignites innovation and technological advantages. For more information on how TCIE can assist Western New York businesses, visit www.tcie.buffalo.edu or call 716-645-8800.