Spotify Code Quest

#1

Post by Joshim5 » Wed, Feb 01, 2012, 2:26 AM UTC

Spotify Code Quest
codequest.spotify.com

Re: Spotify Code Quest

#2

Post by bobx11 » Wed, Feb 01, 2012, 3:42 AM UTC

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?

Re: Spotify Code Quest

#3

Post by anonymoushn » Wed, Feb 01, 2012, 4:21 AM UTC

bobx11 wrote: post #2

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:

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/

Re: Spotify Code Quest

#4

Post by [deleted] » Wed, Feb 01, 2012, 4:22 AM UTC

bobx11 wrote: post #2

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?

[deleted]

Re: Spotify Code Quest

#5

Post by Joshim5 » Wed, Feb 01, 2012, 4:22 AM UTC

bobx11 wrote: post #2

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?

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 :))

Re: Spotify Code Quest

#6

Post by pm90 » Wed, Feb 01, 2012, 5:02 AM UTC

bobx11 wrote: post #2

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?

I think its a good way for novice hackers to improve their skills; they aren't likely to be good enough to get consulting gigs

edit: Not implying that more experienced ones shouldn't participate