[JohnFen]

How can an applicant know in advance if the position involves an OS they won't be willing to use?

This seems like a case where clear communication in both directions is desirable. You as a hiring manager should disclose if a particular OS is required, so the applicant can tell you if that's acceptable or not.

(Maybe you personally do this -- I'm really using a generic "you" in this comment.)

[codegeek]

As a hiring manager, I don't believe choice of OS is critical to join a team and make an impact. So I may not bring that up. If it is really critical to YOU as a candidate, then candidate needs to bring it up as soon as possible in a conversation.

[JohnFen]

But again, how would a candidate know?

In any case, this is all pretty academic. When I've been applying for positions, a tour of the office is always involved when interviews happen, and I can see for myself what OS the devs are using (as well as other working conditions).

That's how I knew my current position would require me to use Windows, and I was able to take that into account when deciding whether or not to take the job.

[codegeek]

They don't have to know. But if you won't take a job because of OS, you should ask upfront in the interview. Better to end it right there instead of continuing further. Heck, ask before the interview through email and get it over with.

[Volundr]

> But if you won't take a job because of OS, you should ask upfront in the interview.

If working the job requires a specific OS you should mention it right upfront in the interview, or better yet the job description. Why is it the candidates job to telepathically guess at what hard requirements might exist? You have a requirement, state it.

[ldarby]

You're not getting that most employers treat the requirement to use windows like the requirement to wear pants, i.e. they're not going to state it.

[codegeek]

I don't understand what you mean. It is not a requirement necessarily but unless you are a very small flexible startup, most companies provide standard computers with OS standardized and employees don't have the freedom to install whatever they want.I wouldn't call that a requirement. So no, I wouldn't mention that we require a certain OS.

[hellisothers]

You just explained why it’s ok for a company to require employees to use a particular OS and then said “but (the requirement) is not a requirement which I don’t understand. As a prospective employee I don’t want to make “dealbreaker” demands because realistically almost any concern on my part can be solved by just paying me more money. If, OTOH there are hard requirements by the employer they should be stated (in office work etc)