Advanced search is not picking up any candidates - HELP!

Advanced search is not picking up any candidates - HELP!

I have a field that is a picklist with 5 options.  Each option starts with a number then text.  When using this field in the advanced search function it is not picking up any candidates despite there being some that would meet the criteria.  This is a key field we use to identify suitable candidates.  I have used it previously to search for candidates but for some reason it's not working now.

If I use the advanced search and only use this field to identify candidates (eg using "Field Name" > "Is" > "1 - text) it does not return any candidates. 

Please help!  I need to use this feature!