Should I mention my genius IQ on a resume?

um hey wrote:

I have an IQ of 144 and I've had my share of financial problems before.

Definitely mention this in you're resume.

Mensa guy wrote:

Too much pretense? Arrogance? Your thoughts.

I might be sympathetic to a bright person who hadn't acquired the usual certifications of intellect and education, but I'd have a very negative reaction to an IQ score on a resume, and also a decidedly negative reaction to any mention of Mensa membership. Although I hate to sound unkind about this, if I were to see either of those on a resume, I would tend to infer poor social skills, low achievement, obsession with trivial matters, and an intellect that probably doesn't measure up to the applicant's own assessment of his talent.

For a number of jobs, demonstrated educational and intellectual achievement is going to trump everything else, and you're probably not going to be in the running for those jobs. In other occupations, a good attitude, friendly disposition, and apparent willingness to follow instructions, learn from others, and work hard could be decisive. Telling someone about your score on an IQ test or your membership in Mensa isn't going to convey any of those qualities -- at least, not to me.

Many of my favorite people and closest friends are thoughtful souls who, for one reason or another, never obtained educational certifications. They're like the scarecrow in "The Wizard of Oz" -- plenty smart, but also humble and comfortable to be around. For the right jobs, I'd hire them in a second. It's hard for me to envision the job that I'd want to fill with the guy who puts an IQ score or Mensa membership on his resume.

That, of course, is just my opinion.

Membership in Mensa is diqualifying in my opinion. People who really are highly intelligent (e.g. scientists) do not

bother about their IQ.

xxx wrote:

Membership in Mensa is diqualifying in my opinion. People who really are highly intelligent (e.g. scientists) do not

bother about their IQ.

I agree with that.

If someone says they are in Mensa my prejudice is to automatically assume they are a moron. Mensa guys don't get this.

My prejudice is that Mensa guys are “late-30s and needing employment…. never finished my degree” and seek advice from douche bag [like me] on the internet.

gamecock wrote:

I don't think mensans just sit around and talk about how smart they are. They do social stuff, too. Some of it is pretty geeky... about 20+ years ago a friend of mine who is a mensan tried to get me to join based on SAT-GRE scores, but that was so I could join their ongoing game of Dungeons and Dragons. I never did join, but I'll bet those same smart guys are still sitting in a basement somewhere playing World of Warcraft.

Well, different chapters do different things. I know a woman who's father is a former chairman of American Mensa, and according to her, her father's group doesn't do much more than take role and give awards. And, like you said, some play Dungeons and Dragons and World of Warcraft...BORING...like I said.

My 8 year old was recently administered an IQ test by a neurologist. Final tabulation: 160. Literally the same as Einstein. I point that out only because many people have high IQ's. It's what you DO WITH IT that counts, not simply possessing one. As a college prof and writing buff I would strongly recommend against mentioning it either in writing or verbally. It sends too many of the wrong messages. You need your accomplishments to speak for you,

not a number that does nothing to demonstrate to a potential employer anything you have done or what kind of employee you will be.

[quote]My son is "gifted" wrote:

"You need your accomplishments to speak for you"

good answer

Since when do Neurologists administer IQ tests? Do you mean Neuropsychologist?

Fatty R. Belt Buckle wrote:

"_____ is blessed with a genius IQ" seems ridiculous to put on a resume

not of an unemployed guy

Why not? *shrug* I am what I am and your (or anyone else's) opinion doesn't matter or affect it at all. I simply don't care. If you can't deal with people knowing you've made mistakes then that's your problem.

maybe you ought not have broached the contract mofo. take your iq and stick it where that sunny doan't shyn.

If you have to ask the readers of LetsRun, then you're really not that smart...

The Reality Check wrote:

If you have to ask the readers of LetsRun, then you're really not that smart...

I'm glad you are so willing to admit you are one of the dummies on this site. A few of us aren't though.

By the way, I got a second interview this Friday. Cool thing is, the secretary said that my interview skills AND high IQ have it narrowed to three.

Ha! to the haters.

who cares. no one cares

My son is "gifted" wrote:

As a college prof and writing buff I would strongly recommend against mentioning it either in writing or verbally.

Try "orally."

Writing and speech are both verbal--assuming you use words.

You must be one of those really dumb smart guys...no college degree, no job, and asking for career advice from a bunch of runner geeks. Well played!

comes across as arrogant for some. most people wouldn't understand your score in the first place - much like saying that you ran a mile in 4:55, or that you were within 20 seconds of the world record for 800m ... likely if you told 95% of the population of the u.s. that you scored 100 on your IQ test, they would think that you had done very well - sorry, that's just how the world works.

Were I hiring the the applicant told me his IQ and/or mentioned Mensa, I'd say "Thanks for coming in. Your qualifications are impressive. We'll be in touch."

I've never met a Mensa member who wasn't a complete dickhead. Just sayin'.

I just took the Mensa quiz at the link below, got 26 out of 30, and received the message, "That is an excellent score-you would have a very strong chance of passing the Mensa test and joining Mensa." Oh boy, oh boy! I'm going out right now to schedule that test so I can be a Mensa member too!!

http://www.mensa.org/index0.php?page=12