Q: Two months ago, I applied for a reporter job on the East Coast. An editor called about my application after an editor above him forwarded him my information. I could tell he was looking at my resume and asking questions at the same time. He noticed I lived in the Midwest and said, "I don't know. You live far away. We may not be able to reimburse you if you fly out here."
I told him I had plenty of frequent flyer miles and it wasn't a problem. This newspaper has a good reputation and I was really interested in the job. He still sounded reluctant, but said the first step was to take several grammar tests. I could finish the tests in a couple days and use any reference I wanted. I took the tests, which were pretty thorough. Copy editor applicants also take these tests. Within a week after I emailed them back, the same editor left a message, said my tests were fine and the next step would be to take some personality and critical thinking tests from a human resources Web site.
I took those tests online. I had to do simple math, answer logic questions and personality questions and so forth. I never heard back from the newspaper, even after I emailed an editor. I assume the paper didn't want to hassle with a long-distance applicant, or they found something in those human resources tests. But I'm not a reporter who sits and waits for phone calls. If someone doesn't call me back right away, I call another person I can quote or I show up at someone's office.
I'm not holding my breath for this paper. Although I wonder, do many newspapers use personality and critical thinking tests to screen applicants? What's your take on the situation?
Wondering
A: I have two reactions. One is that this paper is not acting like a metro; the other is that the editors there are not very interested in you.
Large papers pay for candidates to come in for interviews and do not balk at distance for cost reasons. I mean, we're talking about a one- to two-hour flight. It's not like you live on the moon.
They have thrown a lot of hurdles in your way and it sounds like you have tried every one. I would be surprised if there is anything in an on-line HR test that would make them cool off. Those tests are not supposed to be used that way.
Judging from their reluctance to buy a ticket, all the tasks they've given you and their non-responsiveness, I'd say they're not interested in you and should tell you directly. I don't get the impression it will shatter you; you'll just keep plugging.
A little honesty from them -- and some constructive criticism -- would show some class.
