Ask HN: Consider 25yo for senior dev position | Hacker News Reader

Ask HN: Consider 25yo for senior dev position

2 pointsswtf15 comments

Would you do it ? He says he's been developing for 9-10 years.

1) In the US, this post indicates illegal discrimination. I know you're anonymous, but you should be pretty certain that no real-world employee can find this post.

2) Hire him on a contract basis for a month or two. Pay him what you'd pay a senior dev of whatever age. Evaluate him on the progress of the product, and have a trusted external party audit his work (if you yourself aren't technical enough).

3) Stop thinking about discriminating on the basis of age.

Funny. Actually I am the 25 yo. I just didn't want a biased option from you guys.

If you think the company is hesitant, offer to work on a contract basis -- to "put your money where your mouth is".

That's fair.

1. Thought that was only if you were over 40.

2. Don't be surprised if he says no, he'd rather not get strung along for months. Seriously, why would someone ever accept this type of arrangement if they have sought after skills?

I agree

Well, I think that it's easier say something than do it.

If he has been developing so many years, why instead believe in his words why don't test him doing a more technical (hands-on) oriented interview instead a "normal" (talking and such) interview?

Well, IMHO, I think that in such scenario he can shine or fail according if he's saying the truth.

That's indeed what I intend to do I was wondering if others here would do the same.

What about life experience and perspective? Is he going to mentor/lead teams? I wouldn't have hired myself for that kind of scenario at 25, and I started coding at 8.

So it's safe to assume you'd say no since they lack in the life experience section correct?

Correct. Assuming senior still means someone who leads/mentors; then yes, I have a hard time seeing a 25yo having the kind of perspective needed. I'm turning 40 any day now; not the Travis Boober kind of 40, the real one; and imagining me leading anything at 25 is a scary thought.

I'm going to agree and disagree. I agree with life experience but some from the men and women from the armed forces are very strong leaders at young ages. I was self employed before the age of 25 with a small number of employees but what I learned is that a stronger leader will usually never follow a weaker leader so depending on who you are leading you may or may not survive in the position. Your interviewer may be thinking about who is on the team while deciding. And you will most likely have a shorter rope until respect is earned. Personally I would hire anyone at any age as long as they produced the desired results ages 16-99+

I started my professional experience at 18 I have indeed been through the struggle of proving myself to older members of the team who at first disapproved. Although now I feel like I know how to handle these situations.

Yup, there it is, life experience. Just think how much more you will have in 10 years. Another thing you want to decide for yourself is...do i want the senior dev title, the senior dev position or the senior dev money and why. The answer to that could set you free.

I have to say yes, I have been mentoring and in fact leading the project. I can't disagree with the fact that hiring a 25 yo as a senior is scary.

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