[jseims]

If I were to ask 2 questions, I would:

1) Ask something simple, like FizzBuzz. You'd be shocked at how many people talk a good talk but can't actually write basic code.

2) Ask an open-ended question, like "how would you design a multi-player chess game". That leads to a discussion that lets you assess all sorts of traits, the most important of which is communication style.

[philwelch]

So "ability to write basic code" and "communication style" are your top two priorities?

[dennisgorelik]

These two are "must have".

[kragen]

Yes, in the same way that "breathing" and "drinking water" are the top two priorities for my life.

[philwelch]

By that analogy, it seems odd to hire someone only to find out they can't eat, and then a month later you need to hire someone again.

[kragen]

It's sort of more like embarking on a months-long nuclear submarine journey only to discover that nobody packed any food.

In this analogy, you are the company hiring programmers, and the things you need to survive are that your programmers can write basic code, can communicate effectively, and some other things — probably "can design software" or "doesn't rathole excessively" is the next item or two on the list. You're still in a lot of trouble if your submarine doesn't have any food onboard, but the situation is not nearly as bad as if the submarine lacks means for producing air and drinking water.