Ask Hn: Why do startup has Programming Challenge as part of hiring?

Simply because, in my direct personal experience as an employer, and as reported many, many times over, most people who apply for a programming job can't actually program.<p>When we are hiring we <i>always</i> insist on code to accompany the CV/resume. We set an incredibly simple coding task - it should take no more than 10 minutes, usually 2 - and require the code to be submitted with the job application. Without it we find that 9/10 (roughly) applicants can't program the simplest of solutions. With the requirement, 9/10 can. Yes, we get people who clearly cheat.<p>======== ======== ======== ========<p>Clickables:<p><a href="https://indinero.com/jobs/backend-engineer" rel="nofollow">https://indinero.com/jobs/backend-engineer</a><p><a href="http://www.quora.com/challenges" rel="nofollow">http://www.quora.com/challenges</a>

Because it's trendy, and Facebook did it!<p>But, on a serious note, it shows a little bit of drive and willingness to put forth some effort into your application. It also serves as an initial filter, helping the company to target potential employees that perhaps think like they do or, something. It also filters out people that can't actually program simple solutions.<p>How is it not useful to have some sort of programming challenge?

Quite simply, would you fund a novelist without seeing some writing samples? Sure, if a Vonnegut or King walks in, you're familiar with the brand name, otherwise you want to see some street cred. Github is the street cred for hackers these days.<p>On a related note, since you mentioned Indinero there, if you notice at the bottom of that page, you'd have found this link <a href="https://indinero.com/gettingtoknowyou" rel="nofollow">https://indinero.com/gettingtoknowyou</a> which is very accurate of why a cultural fit and coding skill can make or break a startup in its first steps.<p>As about other startups that have challenges, it's pretty easy to find. Quite a bit of YC startups are starting to do it - of course, a blog, github and twitter are helpful these days.<p>Dropbox, Justin.tv, and more recently Greplin also have challenges as well. As a rule of thumb, here is the url nomenclature to find such challenges: "<a href="http://www.startup-name.{com|whatever}/jobs" rel="nofollow">http://www.startup-name.{com|whatever}/jobs</a>

Generally I see the people who took up the programming challenges belonging to these groups;<p>Problem Solver. These are the group of people that all startups are looking to hire. In a way they love the programming challenge and want to prove themselves. They could potential rock the startup! Sometimes a bigger ego comes as a package for these talented individuals, be prepare to nurse.<p>Job Seeker. They just want to get job, since you mentioned it. They will google, hack, etc.. anything to get it out so they can secure an interview. If they are to do it on the spot, not sure how many can really pass it again. Much work is required to filter them to find the one. Personally, I feel if they have some form of problem solving approach, like rare diamonds they can be processed further.<p>Ideally a few good Problem Solvers mentoring and supported by a few learning Job Seeker delivered the best results for startups. I have never operate a successful startup before, dun take my word for it. :)