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Jerry Weinberg used to run a discussion forum for experienced software development consultants, aggregating many years of experience at many companies building
by pjmorris 2y ago
Jerry Weinberg used to run a discussion forum for experienced software development consultants, aggregating many years of experience at many companies building significant projects.
Their consensus opinion was that a 'work sample test' was the most reliable means of assessing whether potential hire would be a good fit. Bring the person in and pay them to work with you, in your environment, on tasks parallel to what is needed, for a short period (anywhere from half a day to a consulting engagement) and base your decision on what you learn.
It is a really strong positive signal about a company if you see them doing this.
- CoastalCoder 2y agoThat's really interesting. I'm guessing this works better for consultants than for regular employees, due to employment / tax laws.
- pjmorris 2y ago> I'm guessing this works better for consultants than for regular employees, due to employment / tax laws. Yes, if you go as far as treating them with the respect of paying them for their time. However, it can still be done in the many interview processes that take half- or a day's time but that don't pay the interviewee for their time.
- CoastalCoder 2y agoI've heard of using Amazon gift cards as a form of payment. I'm guessing that's illegal in the U.S., but maybe it's such small amount of money that companies aren't worried about the legal exposure.
- johnnyanmac 2y agoit seems so straightforward. I'm surprised more companies don't try it. paying, say, 5 promising candidates for a short period on some super reduced pay can't be that much more expensive than 2 months of interviewing a few dozen.