Interviews

I have had the bad luck to conduct a number of interviews over the last couple of years. Now, I have one question... where are all the talented developers out there? Now, I warn you this might become a rant...

***rant start

Recently, one of our developers has decided to move on to newer pastures (and we are happy for him). We need to replace him and over the last week have had 5 interviews with "senior" candidates to try and fill this gap.

Firstly, if an intermediate or senior candidate cannot solve the simple, but famous, 'fizzbuzz' logic problem then he has no place being in this industry. We do not work in the most glamorous industry but the one thing we need to excel at is problem solving. Every day we will sit with new and sometimes extremely difficult problems and challenges. If you cannot think through a basic problem like this then we are wasting each others time.

Next, if you put something on your CV, please expect questions on it. Please do not think you can put buzz words on your CV and we are just going to assume you know it. If you don't know something do not attempt to 'fluff'. If you read something in passing but have never implemented it please state so. If not, then we assume you know it fully. We are fortunate enough to be a reasonably senior team and will smell the bullshit a mile away. We will respect the candidate more for honesty. I personally would like to work with someone who does not pretend to know everything but is willing to learn. As long as the candidate is willing and shows some intelligence and enthusiasm I am on his side.

Next, if your CV is 15 pages long and you rate half of your 50 technologies as '5' or expert then please expect a long and grueling interview. We smell bullshit. If you rate yourself '5' then you either have developed the language or walk on water. '5' is reserved for those people that REALLY know their technology inside out. Personally I have never rated myself a '5' on any technology.

Next, if you see yourself as a "senior" developer and expecting a big salary or position then it is expected that you know (and hopefully implemented) Object Orientation, Design Patterns and Best Practices in general. Preferably you would also know a couple of things around threading and databases. If your job does not implement these things - I understand. But this does not stop anyone from learning about these concepts and trying to implement it in their spare time and also trying to justify it at there current companies.

Recruiters.... enough said. I do not like them and do not trust them. Recruiters, please do your jobs!

Lastly, where are all the highly talented developers? They must be out there. Where are the people with CompSci or Information System degrees? Are they head hunted? Do they have "cushy" positions with very high paying salaries and benefits. I have interviewed over 50 people in the last 3-4 years and only one person so far has blown me away. Is this statistic accurate?

I really hope people will start taking pride in their careers and try to better themselves. It is not just about putting your CV out there and trying to get a bigger salary. It about the type of work you do, the people you work with, and the knowledge your gain in the process as well.

***end rant