Perceived applicant fit: Distinguishing between recruiters' perceptions ofperson-job and person-organization fit

Two studies were conducted to assess whether recruiters form distinguishabl e perceptions of applicant person-job (P-3) and person-organization (P-O) f it. The first study used repertory grid methodology with actual recruiters and mock applicants to demonstrate that knowledge, skills, and abilities ar e relied on more frequently to assess P-J fit, and values and personality t raits more often to assess P-O fit. Study 2, which involved actual recruite rs making decisions on applicants in a field setting, supported P-J and P-O fit perceptions as 2 discernable factors, Study 2 also found that both typ es of perceived fit offer unique prediction of hiring recommendations. Take n together, these results present compelling evidence that recruiters discr iminate between applicants' P-J and P-O fit during early interviews.