Reading this, I couldn't help but think of why there is a shortage of programmers. I think a large part of it is the technical interview. So many places inten

Reading this, I couldn't help but think of why there is a shortage of programmers. I think a large part of it is the technical interview. So many places intend it to be a challenge, as if getting through it should be considered a right of passage. "We only hire the best." No, you only hire people who apply, get through the process, and accept your offer. That's the best you can do. People who interview a lot are going to be good at interviews. People that spend years at places will look at a job offer and see the process of proving themselves to new people. And that's a giant hurdle. A part of me wants to do an interview, just to throw the interviewer a technical question back at them. I have a few good ones in my back pocket. When they start with whatever challenge they have, I stop them politely and say: "Wait a minute. You invited me here, so before we go any further, I want to see if your company is worth my time." And hit them with my question. Oh, that would be fun.