After Lucent Technologies (a spin-off of AT&T) closed its plant in West Chicago, IL, a friend of mine, who was an AT&T employee, told me that AT&T was hiring. AT&T was also running a help-wanted ad in The Chicago Tribune, simultaneously. I answered the ad and was told to report to the Remittance Management Office, Lisle, IL. Upon arrival, I was administered a battery of tests (spelling, business math, reading comprehension, logic, etc.). Out of 250 candidates that took the battery of tests, only three candidates made the final cut...I was one of the final three candidates! There was no interview. We reported to a union steward who covered the contract and we went to work immediately afterward. The date was May, 1999.

I applied online, the next day received an email inviting me to take per-employment test. I took the test, was given my results that same day. I passed and I am now waiting for the next part of the interview process.