Ask HN: Would you hire someone self trained from a MOOC?

[hojoff79]

MOOC's are prevalent in today's media and certainly offer significant volume of quality content in certain fields (some computer science disciplines). As an employer / manager, would you hire someone who was self taught using courses available through a MOOC?

If your answer is no, what is the main reason you would not be willing to hire them over a comparable person with a traditional bachelors degree?

[shock]

I would hire anyone regardless of the source of their training as long as they are capable of demonstrating proficiency, a firm grasp on the core concepts and a willingness and determination to learn.

[hojoff79]

What metrics / standards would you use to vet a potential hire? (someone with no previous professional work experience). Personal work portfolio, strictly interview questions? The benefit of a degree is an implicit sign off from a reputable institution. How would you think about replicating that comfort for someone who is self taught?

[shock]

I've done several approaches:

- homework project

- heavy interviewing with plenty of tests and several (3-6 people) giving written feedback on the candidate in the form of 5 points rating on lots of skills

- hire on gut feeling

mixed in various amounts.

In my case, a diploma/certificate doesn't make me feel better. I've seen plenty of incompetents with a diploma, so I don't take it at face value. Testing worked best for me. A diploma/certificate also doesn't tell you anything about the candidate's work style/attitude. A hire with a bad attitude is much more toxic than a hire that lacks technical skills.