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posted by martyb on Saturday August 29 2015, @07:29PM   Printer-friendly
from the searching-for-a-job dept.

If Google sees that you're searching for specific programming terms, they may ask you to apply for a job as Max Rossett writes that three months ago while working on a project, he Googled “python lambda function list comprehension.” The familiar blue links appeared on the search page, and he started to look for the most relevant one. But then something unusual happened. The search results split and folded back to reveal a box that said “You’re speaking our language. Up for a challenge?” Clicking on the link took Rossett to a page called "foo.bar" that outlined a programming challenge and gave instructions on how to submit his solution. "I had 48 hours to solve it, and the timer was ticking," writes Rossett. "I had the option to code in Python or Java. I set to work and solved the first problem in a couple hours. Each time I submitted a solution, foo.bar tested my code against five hidden test cases."

After solving another five problems the page gave Rossett the option to submit his contact information and much to his surprise, a recruiter emailed him a couple days later asking for a copy of his resume. Three months after the mysterious invitation appeared, Rossett started at Google. Apparently Google has been using this recruiting tactic for some time. "Foo.bar is a brilliant recruiting tactic," concludes Rossett. "Overall, I enjoyed the puzzles that they gave me to solve, and I’m excited for my first day as a Googler."


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  • (Score: 2) by Runaway1956 on Saturday August 29 2015, @09:37PM

    by Runaway1956 (2926) Subscriber Badge on Saturday August 29 2015, @09:37PM (#229570) Journal

    "I don't think I could quiet the chorus of voices that will undoubtedly erupt in my head"

    How refreshing. Someone who actually has something resembling a code of ethics. In this day and age, ethics are almost extinct.

    Starting Score:    1  point
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  • (Score: 3, Informative) by Phoenix666 on Sunday August 30 2015, @01:46AM

    by Phoenix666 (552) on Sunday August 30 2015, @01:46AM (#229649) Journal

    Someone who actually has something resembling a code of ethics. In this day and age, ethics are almost extinct.

    Having a code of ethics makes you poor.

    --
    Washington DC delenda est.
    • (Score: 2) by Runaway1956 on Sunday August 30 2015, @03:09AM

      by Runaway1956 (2926) Subscriber Badge on Sunday August 30 2015, @03:09AM (#229677) Journal

      The lack of ethics makes you a poor excuse for a human being.

      • (Score: 3, Insightful) by Phoenix666 on Sunday August 30 2015, @11:17AM

        by Phoenix666 (552) on Sunday August 30 2015, @11:17AM (#229781) Journal

        I think you misunderstand me. I am not arguing for unethical behavior. I'll try again:

        In a world run by sociopaths, only sociopaths prosper; the ethical are poor and suffer.

        This is not the way things should be, and it is not the way that things can continue. It is intolerable that things should have come to this pass. The ethical must bring the unscrupulous to justice (in the absolute sense, not in the sense of "as defined by the legal code that the unscrupulous have gamed to enrich themselves").

        --
        Washington DC delenda est.
        • (Score: 2) by Hyperturtle on Sunday August 30 2015, @05:12PM

          by Hyperturtle (2824) on Sunday August 30 2015, @05:12PM (#229893)

          There are no doubts about it -- if I made different decisions than what I thought was the right answer, I'd be far more wealthy.

          One place I worked had a bonus structure that handsomely rewarded screwing up and breaking things and calling in multiple people for help.

          Lots of beginners there... and career idiots. The "VP of Engineering" was proud that he didn't read books.

          There comes a time when one doesn't want the hard earned reputation sullied nor associated with people (and businesses) like that...

          What is the worst is when you confront management with such views and they ask you why you don't want to make money.

          You can only quit so gracefully in such situations.

          • (Score: 0) by Anonymous Coward on Monday August 31 2015, @02:35AM

            by Anonymous Coward on Monday August 31 2015, @02:35AM (#230016)

            What is the worst is when I confront my wife with such views and she asks me why I don't want to make money.

            FTFM