Why Companies are Consulting Astrologers before Hiring?

Astrology is widely followed by people in various countries. Most newspapers and magazines have a daily/weekly/monthly horoscope section that their readers avidly follow. In India, astrology and astrologers enjoy the same cachet that doctors do. Just as people consult doctors for various ailments, they consult astrologers seeking solutions for various life problems. Fixing a date and time for auspicious events like marriage, housewarming, etc., finding a good match for a groom or bride, suggesting remedies for obstacles in marriage, lack of progeny, problems in career and business…the services rendered by astrologers span all these and more.

Interestingly, a recent trend is the entry of astrology in the domain of HR in the corporate world. It’s not just in India, even countries like China use astrology and astrologers in their hiring practices, as a way of selecting employees who will suit their company. Reportedly, Gurugram companies are consulting astrologers to recruit employees. In fact, astrologers are now part of the company HR team. It works out like this: astrologers try to match the applicant’s horoscope with the company’s horoscope and determine if the applicant will benefit the company. Some company owners even claims that at least 20 people had been hired in this manner and the results were ‘excellent’. Other companies in Gurugram too have followed the same practice and experienced good results. A famous astrologer, Vaastu Shastri and palmist, began this trend. He is the founder of Divya Vigyan, and is called ‘New India ka New Astrologer’ for his unique vision and novel ideas. According to him, he is a consultant for more than 15 firms and more companies have been seeking his services.      

Planets influence character and behavior, as per astrology. Much information can be obtained about how a person will behave and what events will befall them from their date and time of birth. In many cases, this has been proved right.

Astrological insight

Such intimate information is important for any relationship. When a company is hiring people, this kind of information offers valuable insight about which candidate is suitable for it and how they will fit in with the organization. For example, it helps us understand  how a person likes to work, what kind of jobs will suit them and how they will relate to us. This makes the entire process of hiring easy.

 Horoscope for compatibility and suitability

If one does a character study of the different Zodiac signs, one can see that signs like Virgo and Capricorn are hard-working and serious types. Aries make good leaders, hence would do well in management. Geminis make good communicators so they shine in media. Cancer is very sensitive and likes to take care of people. They can be good at handling small kids. Pisces is very artistic and could do well in fields that require a good sense of aesthetics. The horoscope of each applicant will reveal details that can be discussed before they are hired. 

 How Astrology Helps Employers

• Throws light on a candidate’s personality
• Highlights areas for discussion during interview
• Shows how a person functions and what inspires them
• Reveals upcoming events in the candidate’s life which might be significant
• Reveals areas of compatibility

The Downside of Astrological Profiling

While astrological profiling seems to benefit employers, some are complaining that it is a form of discrimination. For instance, a Chinese firm asked Scorpios and Virgos not to apply for a job as they are supposed to be very moody and critical and instead preferred Capricorns, Pisces and Librans. The requirements were part of a job ad posted by an English training firm at a university in the central city of Wuhuan. They created a raging online controversy. The ad read: "We don't want Scorpios or Virgos, and Capricorns, Pisces and Libras will be prioritized." It was reported in the Chutian Metropolis Daily, a Wuhan newspaper. It also quoted a woman employee at the unnamed firm who said that her research showed that Scorpios were moody and had strong personalities while Virgos were very critical and did not stick around in one job for long. In the final reckoning, it may be said that though astrological profiling certainly has its uses, companies should use it with sensitivity, tact and humaneness to avoid accusations of unfair practices like discrimination.