Beyond whiteboard problems
The tech hiring process is stuck in the past. Companies still rely on resume screening, technical assessments, and culture fit interviews while talented developers waste countless hours on theoretical exercises.
Golem Cloud recently tried something different. Instead of the traditional interview gauntlet, they offered a $15,000 bounty to build a crucial component of their file system. The deal was simple: three weeks to develop, one winner takes the bounty, guaranteed interviews for complete solutions, and job offers for standout performers.
This approach works because it focuses on real work. Developers demonstrate their skills by building something that matters, not by solving algorithmic puzzles or explaining how to move Mount Fuji. Their time is compensated, and there's a clear path to employment.
For companies, this solves multiple problems at once. They get a clear demonstration of capabilities - not just interview performance. They receive working solutions to real problems, whether or not they hire someone. And they attract developers who are confident enough to prove their abilities.
Developers benefit too. No more unpaid assignments or lengthy interviews with uncertain outcomes. Instead, they get paid for their work, gain experience with new technologies, and have a shot at landing a role - all while working on their own schedule.
The success hinges on three elements: clarity, fairness, and value. Golem Cloud provided detailed specifications that left no room for guesswork. Bounties range from $1,000 to $15,000, matching the work's complexity and often replacing traditional referral bonuses. Value flows both ways - companies get working solutions and clear insights into how developers think, while developers get paid and evaluated based on their actual capabilities.
These challenges create lasting benefits beyond hiring. They build communities of developers who understand your stack and challenges. They drive innovation through diverse approaches to the same problem. And they accelerate learning by giving developers real experience with new technologies, not just toy problems.
The model keeps evolving. We're seeing team challenges for hiring entire squads, multi-stage bounties for complex projects, and specialized tracks for different roles. Want to try it? Pick a real problem, set a fair bounty, write clear specs, and give developers time to do quality work. Looking to get hired? You'll get paid for your expertise, build your portfolio, gain experience with new tech, and find employment based on what you can build, not how well you interview.
Traditional hiring asks what you might do. This shows what you can do.