I’ve seen job descriptions that ask for “open source project experience”. I disagree that this is really what the team really wants. I can’t check that box so perhaps this is just my self-justification.
Some things that working on an open source project may give a candidate: Exposure to open source code. Exposure to peer review. Exposure to some software development tools and process. Exposure to a large code base. Exposure to interesting and talented people.
Some of the expectations that this item might give to the hiring manager about the candidate: an interest in writing code because do it outside of work, highly motivated individual, higher than normal enthusiasm for technology, contribution to make the world a better place.
All of those expectations may be false.
I think this job requirement item fails to recognize that perhaps a person heavily involved in an open source project may not be looking for a day job that consumes them, rather one that pays the bills so they can work on their favorite project. Or that some open source projects are no better than a personal side project. Or that the person’s contribution to the project might be minor.
Instead, a screening interview can ask the candidate about projects they have worked on… open source, at work, hobby. And if the person did the actual work and was interested in the project and learned valuable skills, this should show through. I don’t think there is a short cut to interviewing. Ask the specific thing you want instead.
I really would rather that the person I interviewed found interesting projects at work and made a contribution to the company that paid them. I mean, after all, that’s what I’m hoping they’ll do when I hire them.
However, if you work someplace that isn’t giving you the right type of experience for your dream job, or isn’t letting you contribute in a meaningful way, or makes you wonder what you will say when I ask you about your project during the interview: please… go find a project (at work, open source, hobby) that will make you sound crazy enthusiastic and make me want to know more during the interview.
I think the same holds true for wanting “an internet personality” as one of the job descriptions. Perhaps you should specify the skills you want and the type of things about the person you want to add to the team (or avoid adding to the team.) Of course, saying “outgoing for a programmer” is unfair. And disregard this if you are looking for a community manager or evangelist or some other role that is best served by someone that already has a following in the community.
Best of luck to everyone that is trying to grow their teams.
