Slashdot Asks: How Do You Find Programming Superstars?

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Slashdot Asks: How Do You Find Programming Superstars?

Pretty simple. You don't.

Programming superstars are such that the companies they work for would never willingly release them if they could help it. So they're not usually looking for work. These superstars have the respect of their peers and usually have a presence in the community. If they change jobs, it is usually through a referral system.

You want to find superstars, expand your social network.

Print posted @ Wednesday, February 27, 2008 7:51 PM

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# re: Slashdot Asks: How Do You Find Programming Superstars?

Another option is to appeal to their technology desires. For example our company often attacts top programming talent since we practice Test Driven Development and Pair Programming which many superstars want to practice.

Often they get frustrated trying to push these techniques through the ranks at their companies to no avail. Then they start looking for other ways ...

It is a tough situation since big companies often cannot practice certain techniques because they are hard or require only superstars to succeed. I think large corporations with big IT departments have a difficult time retaining top programming talent - it is much easier to create an elite group in a smaller company.

3/1/2008 1:41 PM | Jonathan Cogley

# re: Slashdot Asks: How Do You Find Programming Superstars?

Actually, really good developers are on the market quite often - they just don't stay available very long. Becoming a "superstar" basically comes from an enjoyment of solving problems. If you're really as good as you think you are, you've probably solved all the interesting problems in the first few months and it's time to move on.

When I am looking for a new project, the first thing I do is contact people I know who might have something available. If nothing comes up there, I'll check the usual job boards, but my usage will be slightly different to what they seem to have been designed for.

If you are having trouble finding work, you will probably send in a CV for anything that approximately matches your skillset, and therefore be easy to find. If you know that you will probably get offered the first job you apply for, you will only apply for one. That means the listing needs more than just the possibility of getting a job to attract a response. In most cases, that information is simply not there.

3/1/2008 9:05 PM | Tom Clarkson

Eric Wise