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Code samples are something not enough places look at when reviewing people. Asking for this particular task doesn't bother me, it reduces the noise from people

by mey 15y ago

Code samples are something not enough places look at when reviewing people. Asking for this particular task doesn't bother me, it reduces the noise from people blasting resumes. Conversely a quick google search isn't far from finding a solution to that problem.... Agreed, on the health insurance angle, it'd be interesting to see what the compensation is, and if it increases at the rate of health care premiums. Lastly, until 2014 in the US, people with pre-existing conditions may simply not be able to obtain health insurance (one of the only advantages to work pooled health plans). Conversely I think it's pretty progressive to not have health insurance, and allowing me to choose, but also as a result I can not apply for this position simply because I cannot insure my family outside a work plan until 2014.

droithomme 15y ago
Thanks for mentioning family - I hadn't considered the issue that it's not just the developer, but spouse and dependents that could have preexisting conditions that make them uninsurable. So the number of qualified persons who could not take this job because of the insurance situation is even larger than it might seem at first. I suppose for employers this seems like a great way of saving money. I don't really see not offering basic benefits that are standard in the field as progressive though, but perhaps you were saying so as a sort of joke in which case I agree it's a funny thing to be doing.
- mey 15y ago
  To understand why I was calling it progressive, I need to give some context to how I see health insurance in the US as broken. The current health care insurance market is a lot of information asymmetry. I personally can not comparison shop for insurance. My employer is generally paying a portion or all of the insurance, so there is heavy incentive to take the insurance to get your best compensation. If I don't take it, my employer will not give me the difference that they are contributing. Using my employer to pay for insurance, it can be done pre-tax (generally, recent legislation may change that). The lack of choice and information asymmetry is what bothers me, and I applaud and expect this companies model to start becoming more common (hence progressive), but in the short term it would make sense to let the employee decide between a company plan and taking the money. Lastly, since this is a publishing shop, they may be used to dealing with more freelance employees/contractors which does typically include such a benefit.

by mey 15y ago

droithomme 15y ago

Thanks for mentioning family - I hadn't considered the issue that it's not just the developer, but spouse and dependents that could have preexisting conditions that make them uninsurable. So the number of qualified persons who could not take this job because of the insurance situation is even larger than it might seem at first. I suppose for employers this seems like a great way of saving money. I don't really see not offering basic benefits that are standard in the field as progressive though, but perhaps you were saying so as a sort of joke in which case I agree it's a funny thing to be doing.

mey 15y ago
To understand why I was calling it progressive, I need to give some context to how I see health insurance in the US as broken. The current health care insurance market is a lot of information asymmetry. I personally can not comparison shop for insurance. My employer is generally paying a portion or all of the insurance, so there is heavy incentive to take the insurance to get your best compensation. If I don't take it, my employer will not give me the difference that they are contributing. Using my employer to pay for insurance, it can be done pre-tax (generally, recent legislation may change that). The lack of choice and information asymmetry is what bothers me, and I applaud and expect this companies model to start becoming more common (hence progressive), but in the short term it would make sense to let the employee decide between a company plan and taking the money. Lastly, since this is a publishing shop, they may be used to dealing with more freelance employees/contractors which does typically include such a benefit.