Hello friend,
Profiling is a term borrowed from criminal investigations, especially of psychopaths and serial killers, where they used to create the psychological profile of the wanted criminal and direct their inquiries in this direction. We have now started employee profiling in the industrial context, which has a lot of significant uses.
Profiling is done from two perspectives: one, the profile of the ideal person to occupy a particular position, and two, the profile of the persons actually occupying the same. Needless to say, the more the congruence between the two, the better for the organization. This is one exercise to analyze the performance potential vis-a-vis the actual requirements.
Profiling can be used at the recruitment/selection stages too. The profile of the person required becomes the profile of the candidates called for. The entire selection process is oriented to choose the candidates who are closest to the ideal profiles created.
Behavioral profiles are more specific and focus on personality factors and behavior. For instance, if a particular position requires communication skills, leadership skills, assertiveness, a bit of aggression, achievement orientation, etc., a profile for this position can be created specifying the degree to which each factor is required.
In other words, it is a behavioral recipe for a particular performance or output.
Profiling requires in-depth knowledge and skills. However, both can be acquired with some effort and perseverance.
Best wishes,
Rajeev.V