[jhgaylor]

Disclaimer: I've written code outside of work for my own satisfaction.

> - Okay then, show us a personal project or some work you've done in your free time. (What, so I'm expected to live eat and breathe code 24/7 to get hired?!)

I have software I can show off to potential employers but I didn't write it for them. I'll admit that I got really lucky to both enjoy coding and to have the privilege to so, but I didn't have to give up my life in order to get it done. I play video games many more hours per week than I code outside of work.

If I had to choose between otherwise equally qualified mechanics, I would tend to prefer the one with a hobby car at home.

[jschwartzi]

Whereas I would choose the one with the cleanest shop.

[logfromblammo]

I think I'd prefer the one who tells me the potential consequences of not doing a repair, without me having to specifically ask about it (or pry it out of them) and then verify the answer from another source.

Dealer service departments always fail this test. They will never tell you that it is not necessary to do a repair. Some will even say "I don't feel comfortable letting you drive it off the lot like this." Then you take it to another mechanic that says, "Yeah, this might affect your fuel economy by a tiny amount. I wouldn't worry about it in a car this old, unless you plan on moving to California."

[mark-r]

Great story, but can you make it relevant somehow to the discussion about interviews?

[logfromblammo]

Rather than hire the person who continues to do his day job at night, or who maintains an organized workstation, I'd hire the person that actually provides value to the company.