Do these things yield results for companies? I can't imagine good hackers are going to waste hours hacking on something in a contest for a remote chance of winning an alienware pc of an iPad when their skills are worth more than that for a half day of effort... I would sooner do a consulting gig and buy the gear than take part in a gimmick like that. Is there anyone here that takes part in these contests?
Hi, I do this stuff for fun. Sometimes people also give me money or prizes for doing it, like Quixey. Thanks, Quixey!
I can't really speak as to whether or not holding programming contests is a good way to do recruiting because I have never worked at a company that recruited that way. I have to think that it is working for someone if many companies are deciding to do it:
There are thousands of very talented hackers that spend a great deal of time competing in Topcoder competitions. It seems that these competitions are mostly for algorithmic practice and enjoyment.
Personally, as a high school student, I regularly compete in such competitions simply to advance my algorithmic skills (and make a good Résumé piece :))
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[ 1.6 ms ] story [ 67.2 ms ] threadI can't really speak as to whether or not holding programming contests is a good way to do recruiting because I have never worked at a company that recruited that way. I have to think that it is working for someone if many companies are deciding to do it:
http://www.facebook.com/hackercup
http://code.google.com/codejam/
http://www.quixeychallenge.com/
http://itasoftware.com/careers/work-at-ita/hiring-puzzles.ht...
http://www.interviewstreet.com/recruit/challenges/
Personally, as a high school student, I regularly compete in such competitions simply to advance my algorithmic skills (and make a good Résumé piece :))
edit: Not implying that more experienced ones shouldn't participate