Comment This corroborates what we all know... (Score 2, Insightful) 126
... java is slow and a memory hog. (for the sarcasm impaired, yes, I'm joking).
... java is slow and a memory hog. (for the sarcasm impaired, yes, I'm joking).
First you define what you want:
Do you want technical certs? Then look for people with those.
Do you want people with academic background (data normalization, OOP, etc)? Then look for people with CS degree.
Do you want people with experience? Then look for people with relevant experience, and or do a practical test as suggested (which everyone can get their smart friend to do for them I'm sure)
Weight each one of the factors according to what he or she is supposed to be doing.
Systems analyst? Architecture design? Jr. code monkey? Overall hacker (jack of all trades, master of none)?
Then rank them in each factor. Most of those factores are qualitative more than quantitative by the way.
But sometimes, the best programmers are not the ones with the best qualifications, but the ones with the best fit into your business. 8 years php experience vs 4 years php experience IN YOUR INDUSTRY: I'll pick the 4 year experience guy.
Reality must take precedence over public relations, for Mother Nature cannot be fooled. -- R.P. Feynman