Validity of The Wonderlic

by Alendrial(A Business Development Manager)

My company didn't introduce the Wonderlic until after my 2nd full phone interview, but before calling me in for a full day of face to face interviews. I was applying for an entry level cold calling position at a tech company, and needless to say I was a bit thrown off when I was asked to go online within 24 hours and take a timed test.

I only spend 3 weeks at home in between leases after college, but of course this test fell during those 3 weeks. Part way through the test my father began to yell through the door various questions, completely distracting me. I was unsatisfied with my results as I only got to about 40 of the 50 questions and was certain I could have finished had I not been interrupter.

When I went in for my interview I was even more surprised. Our HR Recruitment person told me that normally the Wonderlic scores either a "Black" or a "White" but I scored "Grey". I was asked to take the test again in person under moderation. I asked for a piece of scratch paper (being a math major had made me a little used to using scratch paper during tests.) At first I was denied paper, until I demanded scratch paper to take the test.

After a full day of interviews including one that lasted 3-4 hours I walked away completely confused and weary. I never found out my score, nor did I find out what my original internet score was... I did learn that I was the only person hired who was required to take the test twice.

My Career progressed quickly with the company including 5 promotions in my first 4 years. I am still with the company today and couldn't be happier, but sometimes do question the validity of the Wonderlic. Years later I found out from a friend who used to work in HR that if you score "grey" at my company it is sent to the hiring manager who makes a decision on the spot whether to re-test or just reject the person. Thankfully my hiring manager wanted to meet me in person, and re-tested, which is extremely rare.

I will never vouch for this test and will never take my employee's scores into consideration. I have taken many aptitude tests over the years, including a professional IQ test as well as the Army Entrance Exams. I have an IQ of 147 and scored high enough on the Army exams to qualify for military intelligence, and yet the Wonderlic said I didn't have the propensity to do an entry level cold calling position. I should probably also mention that I went to school on the provost scholarship and tested very well on ever entrance exam as well.

Since working for my company I have always been considered a top employee, while in sales a top quota achiever, and extremely intelligent. The Wonderlic does not test someones ability to succeed in the work place and should be left to the NFL if they're so fond of it.