Concerning the viability of firing under-performing individuals, how likely is that? Are there any implications with indirect costs such as unemployment benefits? (I ask because I do not know - any insight on this would be greatly appreciated.)
Are there cost implications? I should think so since the fakers cost lots of money and are not producing any software.
Unfortunately, this happens far too often. However, I have completely bombed on "difficult interview questions" and "code to be written" - merely due to the pressures felt in the interview(s).
As said elsewhere, identifying the "fakers" is extremely difficult - perhaps that's why people who were referred tend[0] to be more successful? (But how do people outside get in?)
[0] Merely a guesstimate based on casual observations.
If you figure in the possible downside, it is the only practical way.
My usage of the term not practical meant that the employer is spending time and effort on something other than generating revenue. And that also means the potential employee is (potentially) working without pay (or other benefits).
The statement "without pay" is an assumption since the book, "Getting Real", does not explicitly state compensation.[1]
[1] http://gettingreal.37signals.com/ch08_Kick_the_Tires.php
37Signal's approach of trying them out for size is a good approach, but not practical for everyone else.
... someone being paid to be a programmer who can't code. But I assure you this is the case. It's shocking but true.
This is a shockingly true statement - it's almost beyond comprehensive when witnessed first hand.