[andrewstuart]

I wrote a post a few years ago "50 characteristics of a great software developer" http://www.supercoders.com.au/blog/50characteristicsofagreat...

Having said that, and having written it, I still believe the absolute core issue in all technical recruiting is that no-one knows exactly what a great software developer is.

In fact, it is entirely subjective, and simply a matter of opinion.

I put it to you that most recruiting processes aren't worth a bent cent because the initial question cannot be adequately answered "OK, you're looking for 'the best' software developers..... PRECISELY what is that" And if an interviewer can't define precisely what they are looking for then how the heck do they know they found it with sufficient confidence to say "here is the right person for the job".

Most recruiting is simply Voodoo Recruiting, a collection of myths, legends, whispers, misplaced beliefs and pure nonsense. Does this person get the job or not? Shake the bones, look at the tealeaves, throw a rabbit over your shoulder and choose the person who gave the interviewer the best feeling.