It doesn't work at all for people currently employed.
However, I've given that issue a lot of thought, and I've changed my mind in that there is something really really nice about it: it gives unemployed programmers a lot of breathing room.
You may think that it's really easy to get hired, and in the top-5 cities it might be, but in other markets even very qualified people can't get interviews lined up quickly.
If I were to get laid off tomorrow, I would love the fact that there are employers who, after an initial screen, would take me in for a week at contractor's rates to evaluate me.
1. I would get paid, and after being laid off that would be a tremendous relief.
2. It is much easier to get in the door. Employers always worry that the person they are bringing on won't cut it and will have to be let go. With this test, it is very easy for both sides to try it out without worrying about an expensive "divorce."
However, I've given that issue a lot of thought, and I've changed my mind in that there is something really really nice about it: it gives unemployed programmers a lot of breathing room.
You may think that it's really easy to get hired, and in the top-5 cities it might be, but in other markets even very qualified people can't get interviews lined up quickly.
If I were to get laid off tomorrow, I would love the fact that there are employers who, after an initial screen, would take me in for a week at contractor's rates to evaluate me.
1. I would get paid, and after being laid off that would be a tremendous relief.
2. It is much easier to get in the door. Employers always worry that the person they are bringing on won't cut it and will have to be let go. With this test, it is very easy for both sides to try it out without worrying about an expensive "divorce."