Abstract

Cognitive ability (or “intelligence”) affects individuals’ lives in countless ways, and it influences work lives of employees perhaps to a greater extent than any other individual differences trait. Cognitive ability determines whether an employee will be able to acquire the required job knowledge and perform assigned tasks. It is the strongest predictor of learning and acquisition of job knowledge as well as overall job performance. It is remarkably relevant regardless of the occupation one holds (Ones, Dilchert, & Viswesvaran, 2012). It even predicts extrinsic career success (i.e., earnings and promotions). As such, it is an exceedingly important trait to include in employee selection systems.