Re:Senior devs. Is anyone else insulted by coding exams?
by mooreds on Wednesday March 09, 2022 @11:33AM
(#30616445)
> If someone successfully works shipping code but can't reverse a linked list, does that mean they're lying about being able to code?
No, I think it means they didn't prepare. But, short of examining git commits, how can you know that someone successfully "shipped code"? References, maybe (though that is harder for folks who may have fewer references from past jobs). If it is open source, sure. But how else?
> I've seen way to many jobs that test for expert level skills for a job that is just to add small enhancements.
Yes, I agree! That is a bigger issue, where the job desc/interview are disjoint from the actual work. That's a red flag. It's hard, as a hiring manager, though, to keep the job desc real. I find that I sometimes throw wish list items in ("knows <tech> at an intermediate level") because the alternative ("can learn <tech>") is so hard to test for. But as a candidate I find it extremely aggravating.
I don't know how to square that circle. If you figure it out, please let me know.
My favorite kind of interview (on both sides of the table) is where I can do the work that is typical, using the resources that would be available on the job.
No, I think it means they didn't prepare. But, short of examining git commits, how can you know that someone successfully "shipped code"? References, maybe (though that is harder for folks who may have fewer references from past jobs). If it is open source, sure. But how else?
> I've seen way to many jobs that test for expert level skills for a job that is just to add small enhancements.
Yes, I agree! That is a bigger issue, where the job desc/interview are disjoint from the actual work. That's a red flag. It's hard, as a hiring manager, though, to keep the job desc real. I find that I sometimes throw wish list items in ("knows <tech> at an intermediate level") because the alternative ("can learn <tech>") is so hard to test for. But as a candidate I find it extremely aggravating.
I don't know how to square that circle. If you figure it out, please let me know.
My favorite kind of interview (on both sides of the table) is where I can do the work that is typical, using the resources that would be available on the job.