Math and Reading Tests Trip Job Seekers

One of three job applicants failed reading or math tests last year, according to a recent survey by the American Management Assn.

About 41% of the major firms surveyed said they test prospective employees in math, compared with 33% who give tests in basic literacy. Math skills are in higher demand, but the survey found that 48% of those tested just for math last year failed. The deficiency rate for literacy was 32%.

The problem seems to be getting worse: In 1990, 26% of the applicants failed basic skills tests.

All of which is bad news for today’s job seekers, because nearly 90% of employers who test applicants say they won’t hire people who are lacking in basic skills.

Don Lee covers workplace issues for The Times. He can be reached at (714) 966-7407 and at don.lee@latimes.com.