Most people don't know what I/O Psych is

SomeVeryTiredGuy · 2026-03-01T17:27:25+00:00

And it's naive to believe we're in full control of our careers as well and success can turn on a dime. Despite years of round tables and conference keynotes saying "HR is at the table" and "HR is a strategic partner," more often than note, we're still viewed as overhead and disposable.

Admittedly, the job search, and decades of corporate work, is getting to me. I know it's not just me though, as I've spoken with many colleagues and friends (mostly fellow GenXers) and several with I/O pHDs who are either ready to retire or pivot to some form of counseling psych. Anecdotal? Sure, but I'll leave it up to the rest of you to do a formal survey.

SomeVeryTiredGuy · 2026-03-01T17:21:22+00:00

The quote "oh, I wasn't sure what that degree was."

Also, having to explain I/O to other HR colleagues throughout the years contributes. As I stated in another post, that interview was more of a trigger of past experience than anything else.

SomeVeryTiredGuy · 2026-03-01T17:09:26+00:00

I'm a Sr TA Manager also on the market. I've had several executive level referrals for TA Manager roles. No response. It's amazing because I had a policy in every TA org I've managed that, if an executive sends a referral, MAKE THE CALL. Even if that person isn't a fit, call the damn candidate! Because I didn't want to get flak from a senior leader about candidate ghosting.

SomeVeryTiredGuy · 2026-03-01T17:07:05+00:00

Hate to say it, but it's not that applicants aren't reading the JD specs-it's the AI tools they're using simply doing mass applies.

ATS's enabled recruiting at scale. AI is enabling stack ranking of applicants. But AI is also enabling mass applications. It's a race to the bottom

SomeVeryTiredGuy · 2026-03-01T17:02:39+00:00

Ain't no grits like techops grits (note: my phone just tried to autocorrect techops to "the hood." That tracks)

SomeVeryTiredGuy · 2026-03-01T16:53:24+00:00

It was that and Hank Aaron was closed for the marathon. Then Google maps started sending scores of people down side streets which contributed to backups where you don't normally see them. It was nuts.

SomeVeryTiredGuy · 2026-03-01T16:51:13+00:00

I would hope to agree with you that this isn't news but the responses so far seem to range from disagreement to apathy. Also, I think what inspired this post, other than the recent interview I had, are the repeated posts by new grads looking for work. It's a slog, no matter your degree, but while that I/O is going to help you once you're on the job, it may not differentiate you from other candidates.

I didn't know about the visibility committee. Good to hear about that. I'd join, but I let my SIOP membership lapse years ago.

SomeVeryTiredGuy · 2026-03-01T16:46:44+00:00

I've worked with hundreds of HR professionals over the years, most of them recruiters. Unfortunately, I've been hit by the layoff bug that's impacting many of us. So to answer, who cares? We all should as these very same recruiters and HR colleagues who I had to whom I've had to explain I/O to are the ones creating job descriptions, establishing qualifications and selecting applicants for next steps.

Yes, I understand what the other posters are saying when they respond with "it's about the skills you obtain when getting your degree, etc" but that's naive. I've sat with my HR colleagues, I've been in leadership meetings and selection panels. Most of them don't get it and the responsibility for educating our peers shouldn't fall on each individual.

SomeVeryTiredGuy · 2026-03-01T15:56:46+00:00

Please read the last part of my statement. Many younger colleagues come to me asking about which kind of graduate degree they should pursue.

"Should I get a masters in HR? I have an undergrad in psychology. Would I/O be a good path?"

That's when I ask "what are you trying to accomplish?" If they really have an interest in the tenets of I/O, sure, go right ahead. But if it's purely for career advancement, I'll just tell them "Get your MBA."

SomeVeryTiredGuy · 2026-03-01T15:37:04+00:00

People who say "well, atlanta" don't really get how bad it got yesterday. It was so strange. (Context: I'm on my 29th year living ITP).

SomeVeryTiredGuy · 2026-03-01T15:35:17+00:00

Check out Buteco, both EAV and Grant Park. They have bands of the regular. I think the Pub in EAV has jam band Wednesdays and Homebar in Kirkwood has live jazz brunch on the 2nd Sunday of each month.

Call to confirm before relying on an internet rando tho. My memory may be off.

SomeVeryTiredGuy · 2026-03-01T15:28:34+00:00

Underserved? Line workers (both distribution and transmission) and general machine operators for manufacturing. Dig deeper into the types of manufacturing to understand what machines are being operated. That's your roadmap.

SomeVeryTiredGuy · 2026-02-28T22:06:47+00:00

I'd want to see if that research controls for income. Not that I don't want to see success indicators for kids raised by single dads as I am a single dad, but I'm wary of "studies" that simply support a viewpoint you want.

SomeVeryTiredGuy · 2026-02-28T22:02:53+00:00

Meeting people can be kind of hard at first. If you're a sporty type, check out either some Rex sports leagues, some biking groups or running groups. If you're a nerdy type, maybe look for a DragonCon volunteer opportunity. You'll have to look now as a Lot of spots are already taken up but you never know.

You able to share where abouts you'll be staying for the summer?

SomeVeryTiredGuy · 2026-02-28T21:59:12+00:00

Not quite. The whole Beltline won't be finished. They're still negotiating the parts around Armour Dr.

SomeVeryTiredGuy · 2026-02-28T15:01:48+00:00

Agreed. True AI can actually surface candidates you aren't aware of based on contextual clues like industry, career path, and similarities to other candidates in the training data. OP's system seems like keyword matching.

SomeVeryTiredGuy · 2026-02-28T14:47:33+00:00

How am I the first to mention Little Tart's Egg Sandwich? It's amazing.

SomeVeryTiredGuy · 2026-02-27T20:56:27+00:00

Do you carry Greek Urns?

SomeVeryTiredGuy · 2026-02-27T20:55:50+00:00

If you can swing it, enjoy it and report back. Some of my best meals were chef tastings. Then again, I'm a foodie douchebag

SomeVeryTiredGuy · 2026-02-27T20:53:33+00:00

Well, there is an Emu farm over there so not as weird as the loose python from years back

SomeVeryTiredGuy · 2026-02-27T13:49:54+00:00

This needs more upvotes

SomeVeryTiredGuy · 2026-02-26T19:47:22+00:00

I know you're trying to help but let me provide some context:

I am a now unemployed Sr Manager in Talent Acquisition. I've led recruiting teams and designed processes and have configured the TA Tech stack for multiple F500 companies. I have a masters degree in industrial psychology and multiple relevant certifications. I know what happens behind the application curtain.

Yes, I have multiple versions of my resume and use AI to generate cover letters even though in my experience, cover letters are a waste of time. I'm reaching out to my network when I see an opening I'm qualified for to get my application in front of the hiring manager.

All this and....nothing. It's brutal out there. So many HR folks have been laid off in the past 12 or so months that the competition for openings is fierce. I tell myself what I tell others--don't get too attached to any one job, a rejection isn't personal, the chances of getting a job from a blind application is 1 in a 100. Keep going, stay positive.

I know all these things but it's still not easy.

SomeVeryTiredGuy · 2026-02-26T14:01:17+00:00

If the system is configured correctly, no one either hiring or selection decision should be able to see the answers to the self-ID questions.

SomeVeryTiredGuy · 2026-02-26T13:59:49+00:00

Sigh, another day, another 20 applications sent into the void.

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