I’m trying to reinforce the argument that standard rote programming tests are next to useless for gauging talent. Anyone, even the most inadequate coder, can study for a test and get 100% if they know what’s coming — there are whole shelves of books out there with answer guides!

They’re particularly ineffective for anyone who’re (a) generalists or (b) very experienced, and can come across as insulting at best. A company using such a test in such a manner perhaps isn’t the one you should be considering working for — they really need to put more effort into their hiring practices.

After all, the only way to win is to not play this game.

Same goes for ‘AI’ based HR sorting of C.V.s — it’s a matter of time before gaming the system is the way to ‘win’…