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Engineering is vastly more complex than chopping onions. I strive for the ability to on-board in less than a day for projects I work on but it's not realistic i

Engineering is vastly more complex than chopping onions. I strive for the ability to on-board in less than a day for projects I work on but it's not realistic in many cases. Companies need to put effort into having small side projects with dedicated github issues only meant for these candidates (anecdote: the few companies I've applied to that do this type of thing did not do a good job: their tickets were vague, lacking context, and mostly just led me wanting to talk to the PO). Many engineers are also looking for jobs while they currently have one, making a half/whole day "trial" very difficult or impossible. Asking people to commit their weekend or free time is also discriminating against those with families, social lives, and those who just like leaving programming behind when office hours are over. The article only talks about algorithmic interviews. There are plenty of other interview styles that delve into more pragmatic problem solving that still aren't perfect, but work much better.

jordan801 6y ago
Contract work would work similarly for engineers. Do it on your own time if you have a job. They can ask the current team questions via chat. Get some real code into PRs and prove that they have skills. Personally I don't even apply to jobs anymore. I am tired of 6+ hour code reviews that I don't get paid for, and no explanation when I get passed up. I would much rather be a contract worker and get paid at least something while doing actual work, over building a search engine for star wars characters. I'm exactly like what you describe. When I leave the office, I want to camp, rock climb, and prep for marathons. I don't want to spend more time coding. That's exactly what makes me absolutely disgusted with applying for new opportunities. Eight interviews with various people, just to get ghosted. Time I could have been improving at other passions. Instead I'm left with no time, no indication of what I can improve on, and no job.
- Icathian 6y ago
  I see sentiments like this expressed sometimes, and I'm usually a bit confused. Are you currently employed, and if so is it in a permanent role or as a contractor? What do you plan to do the next time you want to change jobs? Genuinely curious here, I only know one model and it works well enough for me, but you seem to have a different one and I'd like to know more about it.
  - jordan801 6y ago
    I have been fully employed for years. Though I have sought a less abusive relationship a number of times. Obviously, should my current security evaporate, I would resolve to deal with the process. I'm not entirely sure what you're confused about. Nor, what model you refer to.
marmaduke 6y ago
> also looking for jobs while they currently have one Thanks for mentioning this. Once you have a family at home it gets unrealistic to not work while looking for work. Especially in countries where your contract can usually require months of notice and preclude unemployment in case you quit.

jordan801 6y ago

Contract work would work similarly for engineers. Do it on your own time if you have a job. They can ask the current team questions via chat. Get some real code into PRs and prove that they have skills. Personally I don't even apply to jobs anymore. I am tired of 6+ hour code reviews that I don't get paid for, and no explanation when I get passed up. I would much rather be a contract worker and get paid at least something while doing actual work, over building a search engine for star wars characters. I'm exactly like what you describe. When I leave the office, I want to camp, rock climb, and prep for marathons. I don't want to spend more time coding. That's exactly what makes me absolutely disgusted with applying for new opportunities. Eight interviews with various people, just to get ghosted. Time I could have been improving at other passions. Instead I'm left with no time, no indication of what I can improve on, and no job.

Icathian 6y ago
I see sentiments like this expressed sometimes, and I'm usually a bit confused. Are you currently employed, and if so is it in a permanent role or as a contractor? What do you plan to do the next time you want to change jobs? Genuinely curious here, I only know one model and it works well enough for me, but you seem to have a different one and I'd like to know more about it.
- jordan801 6y ago
  I have been fully employed for years. Though I have sought a less abusive relationship a number of times. Obviously, should my current security evaporate, I would resolve to deal with the process. I'm not entirely sure what you're confused about. Nor, what model you refer to.

marmaduke 6y ago

> also looking for jobs while they currently have one Thanks for mentioning this. Once you have a family at home it gets unrealistic to not work while looking for work. Especially in countries where your contract can usually require months of notice and preclude unemployment in case you quit.