#ProgrammingPosition #SATScores #JobRejection #AMA
Addressing the Problem:
So you’ve been rejected from a junior programming position because of your “weak” SAT scores from 6 years ago. It’s frustrating and confusing, especially considering your extensive experience and dedication to programming and related fields. But don’t worry, you’re not alone in this situation. Many individuals face similar challenges when their past academic performance is used as a sole indicator of their skills and potential.
Solutions to Consider:
1. Showcase Your Skills:
- Highlight your practical experience in programming, such as the 3-year gig porting Flash games to Unity and creating websites for a professor.
- Create a strong portfolio showcasing your projects, accomplishments, and technical skills.
2. Network and Connect:
- Attend industry events, meetups, and conferences to network with professionals in the field.
- Reach out to companies directly with personalized cover letters and resumes to bypass automated screening processes based on SAT scores.
3. Upskill and Certify:
- Consider obtaining relevant certifications in programming languages or technologies to demonstrate your commitment to ongoing learning and skill development.
- Participate in online courses, workshops, and coding bootcamps to expand your knowledge and stay current in the field.
Embrace Your Journey:
Remember that your worth and potential cannot be defined by a single test score from the past. You have valuable skills, experiences, and passion for programming that set you apart from others. Stay resilient, keep pushing forward, and believe in your abilities to achieve your career goals despite setbacks like job rejections based on outdated metrics.
Feel free to ask me anything about your situation or share your own experiences in the comments. Let’s support each other in navigating the challenges of job hunting and career advancement in the tech industry!
SAT??? Is this a job at College Board or Princeton Review???
Thats kinda dumb
lol by any chance was this for a job at spacex?
A 1290 isn’t even that bad though, like if you got a 900 I’d see them saying it was weak, like obviously that wouldn’t justify their position still, but like at least they’d be actually kinda weak scores.
Dodged a bullet
I got a 1440/1600. I wish jobs would ask for my score as part of their hiring process!
In all seriousness, a 1290/1600 puts you well ahead of the rest of the population. I can’t remember the breakdown but that score puts you in or around the top 20% of all people taking it.
The reality is that it is a multiple choice exam, given under extreme circumstances that cannot be replicated in the real world. If a job is asking for this information and basing their decision to hire you off of it then you should be glad you did not get the job. That sounds like an absolutely nightmarish place to work.
I honestly don’t even know how to find my SAT scores, let alone have the energy to track it down and forget my secret question and deal with all that nonsense.
Those aren’t even weak? You don’t want to work for these people anyway
If I had to guess it’s like an automated process replying, not a true assessment. Maybe a visa thing they don’t want to admit to
Employers market so they’re getting away with anything at the moment. Once the script flips (eventually) they’ll be whining about having to raise salaries to attract new workers again.
So the big question I have is are American companies allowed to discriminate against non-Americans (assuming it’s legal for them to work in the US)? If so this would be a discriminatory question since no one outside of the US does SATs unless they are applying for school in the US…
You dodged a bullet.
Did they ask for proof? Would just lie tbh.
🤣 I took the SATs back in 1997 & still remember my score 1260 – 650 verbal and 610 math.
No one has ever asked me for it 😫
unless you have literally zero work history, this screams, “we’re lazy at hiring”.
As bad as this must feel, I promise you: you don’t want to work at a place that uses extremely high SAT scores as an entry criteria.
That reeks of a toxic work environment.
Wtf that’s STRANGE
Oh yeah I got asked my high-school performance while I have a masters degree. Not even a tech person just an art person with a portfolio lol.
“No one wants to work anymore”.
You dodged a bullet with this job. SAT/ACT shouldn’t (and doesn’t) mean squat after you’re out of school.
My partner is an RN, she was killing herself to get top scores, until a professor took her aside and said “C equal RN”. Passing and getting your degree is what matters, then experience. I’ve passed on jobs that ask for school transcripts for tier 3 IT support jobs. Would have passed on this one as well. Big NOPE.