[LRUG] Important to be a graduate? (was Re: Code samples: To do or not to do)

[Murray Steele]

On 07/04/2009, Matthew Rudy Jacobs <matthewrudyjacobs at gmail.com> wrote:
> 2009/4/7 Chris Parsons <chris at edendevelopment.co.uk>:
>
>>> In addition, does the same apply to companies? Does a job in a really
>>> good
>>> company in the past help when it comes to applying in another company?
>>
>> Yes, definitely.
>
> But how do you get a job in a top ruby shop,
> when they have impossibly high requirements
> (impossible if you find yourself doing anything other than coding in your
> life)
>
> http://www.rubyinside.com/how-to-get-a-job-at-a-top-ruby-shop-1618.html
>

Being flippant I'd say that article is a guide on how to get a job at
a self important American Ruby shop.  I really don't think the advice
isn't really applicable to the majority of real ruby jobs in the UK
nor are the expectations realistic for the majority of applicants.

When I'm recruiting I fully expect the candidate to have a life
outside of coding and that means it's ok not to have any publically
available code.  Sure, a github account and activity on open source
projects tell me something about your ability, but I'd rather make my
mind up based on conversations in the interview and discussions about
your approach to a technical test/problem that I've set you. Setting
everyone the same test also makes it easier to compare candidates.

Finally, my connections in the HR industry tell me that making
employment decisions based on information not gained at interview
(google, github, facebook, whatever...) may technically be illegal.

Muz