[xapata]

I also measure my candidates' ability to fix bugs by learning the details of a language feature they're not familiar with, by finding examples and documentation.

I find that many junior-level candidates scrape by with Stack Overflow, but sadly have little competence when it comes to reading documentation. Candidates for more senior roles have a similar problem regarding systems design. They can find and parrot little statements they've seen on forums, but when you ask them to explain, their understanding turns out to be shallow.

I don't use programming exercises as a sufficient measure, but they are a necessary one.

Now I feel obligated to add that footer: We're hiring! ;-)

[vonmoltke]

> Now I feel obligated to add that footer: We're hiring! ;-)

Side note: you should put some contact info in your profile so people know who you are hiring for anf how to contact you. :)

[xapata]

I posted in the Who's Hiring thread non-pseudonymously.

[toomuchtodo]

I absolutely agree they’re necessary, but should be a realistic problem that needs solving (as you’re doing).