> * Can the person program at all. * Do they consider the performance of possible solutions. * Are they good at explaining their thought process. * Do they cons

> * Can the person program at all. * Do they consider the performance of possible solutions. * Are they good at explaining their thought process. * Do they consider edge cases? * Do they write tests? All good things to look for. The problem is, day-to-day you don't have to do all of those things in 45 minutes while several people at the table watch you. Personally I'm a fan of a short programming exercise (perhaps even this problem) that you can take home and walk through with the team at a later time. I know those are detested by some, but I think they're fair (assuming the task is not something outrageous; something that can be knocked out in an evening perhaps) and give a much better idea of what an employee is capable of.