Re: /400 skills test (actual coding) -- MIDRANGE-L

Can anyone expect reasonable answers from a former employer?  I 
wonder what they would say for fear of lawsuit?  For example if I 
was to say that employee X was a good programmer/analyst but had 
more excuses than Max Klinger for missing work would that get me 
in trouble?





MacWheel99@aol.com on 05/18/2000 04:19:06 PM
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Subject:        Re: /400 skills test (actual coding)

>  From:    boothm@earth.Goddard.edu

>  No one else has even mentioned looking at actual code as a means of 
>  evaluating a programmer.  Why not?
>  
>  It interests me that no one has yet mentioned a portfolio of code as a 
>  means of evaluating a programmer.  I have a selection of code that I feel 
>  represents my abilities and that I feel should be of more interest than a 
>  written test. 

I have done this in the past, but I recognize that it is extremely unethical 
if not illegal.  The source code that I wrote for employer-X is the property 
of employer-X.  

For me to walk off with a copy of that source code to use as reference when 
applying for a job with some other employer is a form of theft.  There is no 
way the old employer is going to give permission for a copy for this purpose. 
 There is the risk that the new employer staff will copy some stuff, in which 
the original code was based on derivative code from some licensed software 
package.

I recognize that potential employers might want this information from 
potential hires but would not want former employees doing it.

Why did you leave your former job, or want to leave?   ... ask prospect
Why did you part company with this employee?  ... ask former employer
Compare answers

If they have in fact left ... ask former employer ... would you seriously 
consider re-hiring this person ... was the problem with their skills or with 
personality conflicts

An HR person who does not know the technical topics can filter down to 
candidates who are technically competent & have reputations for honesty & 
integrity, based on such checking of references & former employers, to filter 
out who the technical people should do the technical interviews with.

Al Macintyre  ? ?
http://www.cen-elec.com MIS Manager Programmer & Computer Janitor
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