Co-workers: Would you rehire them?

[ConstantChange]

We've been doing a lot of interviews lately for new software developers. I find it sad/amusing that 75+% of the current staff wouldn't be able to answer the simple questions that are being asked to the new candidates. Most of our older staff are more "IT Analyst" I would say. They do day to day support. Some of them have never actually developed a new application. Object-Oriented Programming is a foreign concept to them.

So, if you were to start a competing company today or had the opportunity to reevaluate the employment of all your co-workers, what percentage would you actually hire?

If I were to start a competing business, I wouldn't hire any of them.
If I were to reevaluate them for this job, I'd hire back 4 of the 14 (28%) on my team.

Just doesn't seem right...

[ChasC5]

I’m a Software Development Director and always hire smart people who are self driven, progressive, flexible, open minded and not afraid to make a mistake. Book smart is not the only smart to look for in a Software Developer because creativity involves thinking outside of the box. They need to want to learn new thinks that will keep them on the leading edge. Also, look for someone who had Agile training and if you haven’t looked into Agile Method, so should.

Good luck. :cheers:

[BuckyThreadkiller]

I left an agency several years ago and started a new venture. After I left, the old shop was purchased and closed down. I immediately offered jobs to several folks. One of those just celebrated ten years with the company.

I have a handful of really competent people I've kept tabs on through the years that if I ever found a good spot them I'd call them in a heartbeat.