Re: Test for potential programmer

Carlo Sogono wrote:
> What kinds of tests should I be giving people to measure their
> aptitude to become good programmers/problem solvers?
>   

There are a variety of online testing options:

http://www.fadvassessments.com/products.pl/skillcheck/it

But....

> I work in a really specialised field and it is actually better to hire
> someone who has experience in this field then train them to do a
> programming than hire a programmer to learn the business.
>
>   

Hire attitude. Any skills can be trained / bought. Hire ATTITUDE.

If the candidate can demonstrate a realistic passion for the core of the 
role then that is the most crucial aspect. Even the most "skilled" and 
"experienced" professionals will fail if they don't have the right 
people fit to the role.


> Are IQ tests enough? Or should I be looking for something else?
>
>   
Make yourself a check list of questions to ask each candidate on the 
phone. Extend the same list for the interview. Reconcile the answers 
between the phone screen and the interview. Did the candidate change 
their responses? Why?

Don't be afraid to ask the same questions repeatedly until you are happy 
with the clarity of the answers.

Here are some questions:

http://www.extrastaff.com.au/website/node/12


Do detailed *verbal* reference checks. A reference check is more 
important than an interview. Use your interview answers to ask questions 
of the referees.

Example:

"I asked John what extra curricular training he did with your 
organisation and he said that it was very much an expectation of the 
role. Can you clarify what training he did, how effectively he applied 
it and give me an overview of his learning style?"

Ref check. Ref check. Ref check. Ref check. Ref check. Ref check. Ref 
check. Ref check. Ref check. Ref check.

Don't be afraid to call candidate and referee back a couple of times to 
clarify ANY doubts.

Hire slowly. Fire quickly.

If you are really going to put specialized training into this person 
then take your time otherwise you will be paying for it on an ongoing basis.

Just be honest and thorough and you should be fine.

Cheers

Piers



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