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Comment by msellout | Hacker News Reader

1. There are far more non-programmers than programmers. Even with a correlation between being a programmer and hiring programmers, it is plausible that the vast majority of hiring managers are non-programmers. This becomes more plausible if you step back a layer to the budget allocation for headcount rather than specific hiring decision.

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Isn't it also plausible that after the first programmer hire (by non-programmer), any subsequent hiring will at least involve this first programmer?

I would even go as far as saying that an 'expert opinion' from a programmer would typically be involved in the hiring decision (be it from an external consultant, a friend or what not). Given that the non-programmer would typically realise they don't have themselves the skills to evaluate programming abilities or CVs.

> Isn't it also plausible that after the first programmer hire (by non-programmer), any subsequent hiring will at least involve this first programmer?

Definitely. You'll generally have to convince a programmer of your competence. Once you've passed that test, you may also have to negotiate with a non-programmer for your salary. At that second stage is when you want to be able to convince someone of your ability to multiply dollars.

I'm not aware of many places (nor have I worked anywhere) where non-programmers hire programmers. Occasionally a hiring manager or some type is involved but as a facilitator at best.

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