Ask HN: Consider 25yo for senior dev position

2 points by swtf 9 years ago | 15 comments

Would you do it ? He says he's been developing for 9-10 years.

smt88 9 years ago |

1) In the US, this post indicates illegal discrimination. I know you're anonymous, but you should be pretty certain that no real-world employee can find this post.

2) Hire him on a contract basis for a month or two. Pay him what you'd pay a senior dev of whatever age. Evaluate him on the progress of the product, and have a trusted external party audit his work (if you yourself aren't technical enough).

3) Stop thinking about discriminating on the basis of age.

swtf 9 years ago | |

Funny. Actually I am the 25 yo. I just didn't want a biased option from you guys.

smt88 9 years ago | | |

If you think the company is hesitant, offer to work on a contract basis -- to "put your money where your mouth is".

aanm1988 9 years ago | |

1. Thought that was only if you were over 40.

2. Don't be surprised if he says no, he'd rather not get strung along for months. Seriously, why would someone ever accept this type of arrangement if they have sought after skills?

swtf 9 years ago | | |

I agree

araxhiel 9 years ago |

Well, I think that it's easier say something than do it.

If he has been developing so many years, why instead believe in his words why don't test him doing a more technical (hands-on) oriented interview instead a "normal" (talking and such) interview?

Well, IMHO, I think that in such scenario he can shine or fail according if he's saying the truth.

swtf 9 years ago | |

That's indeed what I intend to do I was wondering if others here would do the same.

codr4life 9 years ago |

What about life experience and perspective? Is he going to mentor/lead teams? I wouldn't have hired myself for that kind of scenario at 25, and I started coding at 8.

swtf 9 years ago | |

So it's safe to assume you'd say no since they lack in the life experience section correct?

codr4life 9 years ago | | |

Correct. Assuming senior still means someone who leads/mentors; then yes, I have a hard time seeing a 25yo having the kind of perspective needed. I'm turning 40 any day now; not the Travis Boober kind of 40, the real one; and imagining me leading anything at 25 is a scary thought.