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Are Contests the Best Way To Find Programmers?

Posted by timothy on from the be-the-19th-caller dept.

Nerval's Lobster writes "Tech firms are engaging in several non-traditional hiring methods, from programming contests to finding the right people via algorithm. One of the more popular methods: set up a coding challenge or programming contest to bring out interested parties, with the top prize being a trip to the sponsoring company's headquarters to interview for a job. Look at what Facebook is doing in this area, sponsoring several Kaggle.com programming contests to find the best programmers; it also makes use of the site InterviewStreet to screen potential applicants. In theory, any company can build and run a contest online. But is it really the best way to go about hiring a programmer (or any other tech-minded employee, for that matter)?"

3 of 260 comments (clear)

  1. The best way to find programmers by The+Evil+Atheist · · Score: 4, Funny

    Interview question #1: Explain why you hate C++ Interview question #2: Justify why you repeated soundbites about C++ and not formulate your own explanations Interview question #3: Explain why you like Java or C# better Interview question #4: Justify why you didn't know that C++ can also do those things

    --
    Those who do not learn from commit history are doomed to regress it.
    1. Re:The best way to find programmers by Anonymous Coward · · Score: 2, Funny

      Interview question #1: Explain why you hate C++ Interview question #2: Justify why you repeated soundbites about C++ and not formulate your own explanations Interview question #3: Explain why you like Java or C# better Interview question #4: Justify why you didn't know that C++ can also do those things

      • #0: It is useless syntax sugar over C.
      • #1:You would not understand anything else then 'soundbite'.
      • #2: Java and C# are proprietary crap that only amount to event more high-fructose syntax syrup.
      • #3: C is sufficient for any project. OO is a design, not a language.

      Let me ask you one question; Why didn't you start numbering your questions with zero?

  2. Re:Contests are the best way... by i+kan+reed · · Score: 4, Funny

    to find programmers who like contests.

    or who like gaming contests.

    That is to say future business leaders.