Why do employers want GMAT scores?

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QuantJock_MBA

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I just got asked for my GMAT upon applying to a big firm. What purpose does this serve?
 
Pretty standard. Baseline measure of intelligence, and an easy comp to use with hundreds of applicants.
 
It’s one of the only credentials on your resume that you cannot exaggerate or BS, though I doubt that it will make or break your chances, unless it is outstandingly good or bad.
 
I herad AF Post Count helps. As well refrencing your past experience with Fidelity.
 
Most employers view the GMAT as an IQ test which I certainly don’t agree with. Studying will not and should not increase your IQ. Of the people I know that have scored 700+ on the GMAT I consider them all to be intelligent and capable individuals. So perhaps there is some merit to the GMAT as a baseline for IQ.
 
My AF name is in conjunction with my real name on my resume.
Following that is my preference of the MBA/CFA and Schweser/Stalla.
Name dropping a Fidelity Fund I own is part 3 of my resume.
 
Chuckrox8 Wrote:
——————————————————-
> Most employers view the GMAT as an IQ test which I
> certainly don’t agree with. Studying will not and
> should not increase your IQ. Of the people I know
> that have scored 700+ on the GMAT I consider them
> all to be intelligent and capable individuals. So
> perhaps there is some merit to the GMAT as a
> baseline for IQ.
So Chuck, did you have a 2 twins vs 1 dude b@nging party?
 
I agree that the GMAT score is just a check-the-box type of thing that employers look for. If you’re contemplating whether to re-take it, I’d most likely say that you shouldn’t. I haven’t seen that many employers asking for the score…is there a certain type of employer or industry that you’re targeting where you’re being asked to provide it?
 
Chuckrox8 Wrote:
——————————————————-
> Most employers view the GMAT as an IQ test which I
> certainly don’t agree with. Studying will not and
> should not increase your IQ. Of the people I know
> that have scored 700+ on the GMAT I consider them
> all to be intelligent and capable individuals. So
> perhaps there is some merit to the GMAT as a
> baseline for IQ.
Lol what?
numi Wrote:
——————————————————-
> I agree that the GMAT score is just a
> check-the-box type of thing that employers look
> for. If you’re contemplating whether to re-take
> it, I’d most likely say that you shouldn’t. I
> haven’t seen that many employers asking for the
> score…is there a certain type of employer or
> industry that you’re targeting where you’re being
> asked to provide it?
Numi, I only ask (GRE or GMAT or both) if the interviewee recently went to grad school. I’d say it’s fair game, just like asking a recent grad for an SAT score.
 
Out of curiosity does this typically happen for post MBA candidates, current MBA students or both?
 
It is common for 1st yr MBA students especially for mgmt consulting and banking internships, less so for 2nd yr MBAs.
 
Why do they ask? Because famous formula (GMAT Score/School Rank)^(school rank/pi)+(# of contacts at the firm)-(golf handicap) is the most accurate predictor of your ability to perform the job. Duh. Why do you think they ask for any of that stuff?
 
Quant,
Obviously many people would equate GMAT score with IQ. We could disagree with that perception, but it exists. Another reason that I would like to add to the ones mentioned above is to judge your choice of MBA school. Knowing your school, I might ask the GMAT score to see if you went there because you could not get into a better school in your town. So if you get interviews and they ask you about why XYZ school, you need a good story regarding the quality of education blah blah blah. As opposed to “it was convenient and their GMAT requirements are low.” You want to sell your school as a great decision. I get the “Why XYZ school?” question in most of my interviews.
 
Agree with the above. You just need to have a good story about why you chose your school. In the States I’ll often get the question why I decided to attend graduate school in the UK. It took some time, but eventually I put together a decent story around my Rhodes Scholarship and I’ve generally been able to skate through that part of interviews.
 
eureka Wrote:
——————————————————-
> Agree with the above. You just need to have a
> good story about why you chose your school. In
> the States I’ll often get the question why I
> decided to attend graduate school in the UK. It
> took some time, but eventually I put together a
> decent story around my Rhodes Scholarship and I’ve
> generally been able to skate through that part of
> interviews.
How did you struggle to explain a Rhodes Scholarship and going to Oxford?? That is quite prestigious.
This board never ceases to amaze me…
 
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