"I left my banking job to travel. Now I can only get a new one by completing probability tests"

Like many people on this website, I am finding it hard to find a new job in banking. Although I have decades of experience working in asset management and derivatives structuring, it seems that no one wants to employ me.

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Unlike many people on this site, my predicament is unfortunately self-inflicted. Last year, I decided to take some time out to travel. I was away for 12 months and got to decompress. At the time, I thought finding a new job wouldn't be a problem. - After all, people are out of the industry for a lot longer on non-competes. 

Now that I am back, though, finding a new job seems almost impossible. I'm applying for jobs that are a 90% match for my skills and experience, and I'm getting no response whatsoever. 

The few times that I have actually spoken to a recruiter or hiring manager, I've been told that I need to be able to code in Python. I have therefore learned Python, but am now being asked to complete probability tests as part of my job applications. 

These tests are irrelevant. At no point during my career have I ever had to complete a probability puzzle on the job. These tests exist in a universe of their own - even if you had a PhD you would not necessarily be able to solve them. It's mind-boggling that they have become the new criteria for employment.  

I know that I'm not the only person to think like this. The recruitment process is broken, particularly for experienced candidates. It should not be the case that a sabbatical leaves you locked out of the market forever. 

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