Applied online and I received a telephone call quickly. The person I spoke with was very positive and was impressed with my experience and credentials. We went over salary and hours and everything prior to the request to come in. Everything was all set because we covered just about everything on the phone. I was quite impressed by the gentleman that called me and the way that he spoke I was in! He asked me about my computer experience and I explained to him the new system that Allstate has been using to record incoming and ongoing conversations and how helpful that system was on follow up and closing. I explained the application process that Allstate uses and he told me that my experience with GEICO would be similar. He then told me he wanted me to come in to complete a basic computer skills test. From what I understood this was to evaluate where I would be in relation to the software they use.
I went to GEICO's office where I was expecting to meet with someone and discuss the package the company has to offer, check my computer skills and complete and interview. I had been told to go to their HR Department and I would be greeted there. When I arrived I was told to have a seat and wait. During the waiting time other people started showing up and being told have a seat. I was getting a little confused as to what was going on, then for some reason I got the impression that other people where there for other positions and such.
At the appointed time, a lady came out of a side door and asked everyone to follow her to a computer testing room. I was totally confused at this point because I expected a level of professionalism that just wasn't there. The room was filled with modular work stations, each with a keyboard, mouse, monitor and head phones. We were told that we would be taking a test and the test would be progressive, becoming faster to a point where it would be impossible to keep up so don't be concerned if you fall behind. We were told to put on the headphones and what the procedure would be. I had to pretend that I was working for a health insurance company and I would be taking incoming calls and instant messages from the internet. I was to click the button that would light up for either telephone or internet and fill in information from the supposed customer after clicking on the correct tab directing the information to sales, claims etcetera. I was to fill in the basic information that was within what was being spewed by the so called customer (age, name, policy number, situation). The mouse movement was problematic in that it was setting on a flat top Formica desk, no pad or anything and the biggest problem for me was that you cannot hit the space bar until you have corrected each word that you missed a letter on.
They could accomplish more if they were to set up a few stations at a job fair and have everyone that came by take a test. If they past they could then ask if they were interested in hearing what GEICO had to offer. So, my question is, what does this so termed computer test have to do with sales? I have sold insurance for over twenty five years and I have never received a telephone call from a client or a potential customer where I could not interact with them. I am not bragging but I could guarantee that in a real life situation with a real potential prospect I would be in the top 2% of anyone they got! Well the lady was nice enough to step me out of the room into the hall (I was the first one by the way) where she said she was sorry but if I would like I could apply for a position with GEICO again next year. If I were young and inexperienced and knew nothing about insurance at all, I would apply with GEICO. Get pass the bean counter tests and you might land a position where you can show what you can really do. But, don't expect experience, professionalism or your ability to sell to open a door at GEICO. You won't get past the first office on the left!