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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. Re:Contests are the best way... by Anonymous Coward · · Score: 5, Interesting

    "Wanted: highly intelligent but deeply insecure attention seekers woefully ignorant in the larger ways of life. Must be easily manipulated and enthusiastically embrace indentured servitude for life (or until we deign to discard their burned-out husks). Will pay big shiny baubles and provide free desk, chair and leg iron benefits. Those with any self-respect or business acumen need not apply."

  2. Re:Something is wrong with this picture. by geekoid · · Score: 5, Interesting

    " but aren't these large companies wanting to raise the H-1B visa limits because of allegedly poorly trained/inexperienced programmers?"\
    no. They want highly trained and experienced people to work for cheap.

    We have plenty of programmers in the US, but we have the gall to want to be reasonably paid.

    --
    The Kruger Dunning explains most post on /. http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Dunning%E2%80%93Kruger_effect
  3. Re:NO by ShanghaiBill · · Score: 5, Interesting

    If you need good engineers try offering the best compensation and the best working conditions.

    Pro tip: Providing bad engineers with good pay and better working conditions doesn't make them into good engineers.

    Good pay and good working conditions will allow a company to be more selective about who they hire, but they still need some way of selecting the good ones. Many companies fail badly at this. I have worked for several that paid well, and ended up with salaries that were negatively correlated with competence.