Re:Codility - Automated tests of programming skills
by marcin on Friday January 08, 2010 @06:50AM
(#1039318)
We are timing the programs as well - with the scalability assessment. Recruiter can change the timing anyway, but we feel that a bit of pressure is good. You don't always have comfy conditions on the job after all.
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Re:Codility - Automated tests of programming skills
by dustin on Friday January 08, 2010 @10:03AM
(#1039642)
I also found the clock annoying. If someone does this for an interview they're likely to feel enough pressure anyways. I'd let the test taker hide it and maybe redisplay it automatically with 5 minutes to go.
As for comfy conditions on the job - I would hope that default conditions are comfy. When interviewing I'm more interested in how people will perform day-to-day rather than in rare situations. Most programming jobs don't really require employees to be "cool under pressure."
Other than that, good job on the execution so far. Reminds me a lot of TopCoder, just applied to a specific niche in a good way. I would even consider using this or recommending it to colleagues for hiring.
Re:Codility - Automated tests of programming skills
by lt on Friday January 08, 2010 @11:27AM
(#1039831)
I agree the clock puts extra pressure that can make one unable to focus on the task, but it's important to know your time limit.
Consider making the clock like on http://www.sudokuslam.com/ - with an icon right next to it to show or hide it.
Re:Codility - Automated tests of programming skills
by loup-vaillant on Friday January 08, 2010 @09:27AM
(#1039553)
Right, but maybe not down to the second. I personally didn't mind, but counting seconds causes a distracting flickering. Maybe you should consider activating it on the last minute only ?