Should Failing A Standardized Test Withhold Job Seekers From Employment?

Dear network,

Per my recent relocation, I’ve entertained job opportunities here in Mississippi. Here’s an interesting recap of a recent corporate encounter I experienced. The later part of last week, I received an inquiry for a phone interview; which by the way went well enough to result in a face-to-face interview for the very next day. Upon arrival, the individual that ended up interviewing me, turned out also to be the branch manager of the finance office. Needless to say, from the start, the young man seemed much unorganized. For starters, he alleged he had no idea why I was there? I politely reminded him just the day prior of our 3-way conversation between me, him and the recruiter confirming this day and time. He literally left me “just sitting” for over 30 minutes and inquired about whether I was the one driving the Audi parked out front. I confirmed I am and asked whether I’ve parked in an incorrect stall should I need to move and he said, “No” and walked away.

Eventually, the interview started. Throughout the interview process, he kept referring to me by the incorrect name. Somehow, he kept getting Jackie Burns out of Janice Barnes-Bridges (per I use a hyphenated name). In addition, all the while trying to interview me, he kept plundering through some manila file folders that he dropped no less than 3 different times. He “sized up” my expertise with his in-depth inquiries of the type of jobs I’ve had and the kind of money I’ve apparently made. I reassured him, I’m aware that job market is quite different in MS versus when I resided in AZ and TX. He then stated he’d have to run a credit check to assure I can be bonded. I immediately consented and a short time later he returned with the results. Without a 2nd thought, everything was ALL GOOD per I have A-1 credit. He begun to go down the list of items on the report and “pick-apart” as to how I can afford my mortgage, car payment (an Audi Q5), etc. Lastly, he brought up about my Neiman Marcus department store credit card in which I had indeed slightly let lapse past 30 days, but less than 45 days and it occurred less than 5 times. I explained after having lost my job, I naturally made my mortgage, car payment, insurances, utilities and groceries my utmost priorities. Nonetheless, even with those minor late payments, it was not enough to neither drastically damage my credit, or prevent me from being bonded nor warrant me not being considered for a job. He INSISTED per that blemish, he could not consider me for hire. As well as he kept making reference I still own a home in Texas. I assured him, my home in TX is a not a factor per I’ve already relocated to MS and been residing here for several months now. 

Let’s be frank, why would he need to be soooooo concerned on how (where my money) is coming from to pay things? Is it NOT possible that I’ve managed my money well enough to sustain my expenses? Perhaps I have decent investments? Better yet, I have a spouse with a decent income! With all things considered, I CAN afford to relocate which is why we did so. After leaving the office, I vented to a respected friend that shared some really uplifting words to me. Once that call was over, I brainstormed and chose to call the corporate recruiter and share my experience. The recruiter seemed genuinely concerned and even placed a call to that manager in which the gentleman attempted to deny he never agreed to an interview. Once that call ended, the recruiter was very apologetic and asked me to please be patient and allow him to make a few calls to some surrounding branches and should he be fortunate enough to land me an interview today, would I do so at a different location. I assured him I would. Within an hour and a half, a new interview was set up for a new location.

Upon arrival of the new location, the interview was conducted as an interview should. I was then asked by this interviewing manager to take a Wonderlic Test. For those not familiar, it’s a standardized TIMED test which consists of 50 questions in which one must score a 25 or better. As of Monday, I learned I scored a 21; 4 points shy of what’s needed. I found this to be rather upsetting and equally disturbing to hear the words from the recruiter say that although he and the branch manager (at the 2nd location) was impressed with the way I interviewed, my skills/expertise, background and personality I still found it difficult how such a candidate could be disqualified and now passed over for failing a test that essentially have NOTHING to do with the actual job function or role??? For the various recruiters, head hunters, and talent scouts of Mississippi in the Jackson metro area (North Jackson, Byram, Madison, Ridgeland, Brandon, Flowood and Clinton please know:

I’ve been recognized as a consummate professional with a high degree of personal integrity consistently maintaining a high-standard performance record via exceptional service, one-on-one attention to detail and follow-through. Per my diverse background, I’m an expert in account management, contract negotiations and sales, procurement/logistics, mortgage compliance, customer service (both face-to-face and phone) and vendor management. I have proven capabilities for assessing a situation and defining problems, establishing fact-related matters, interpret information, draw valid conclusions for a solid resolution and effectively communicate findings and/or solutions both written and orally in a fast-paced, multi-faceted environment.

If you’re looking for an experienced professional to deliver high quality, provide superior service and promote customer satisfaction then look no more; you’ve found your candidate! Call me today at (480) 235-8620 to arrange an interview.