> Recruiters filter resumes with a keyword based search
Although true, this is is somewhat shooting the messenger. If as a client of the recruiter I ask for COBOL developers and all I get are Clojure resumes because the recruiter thinks it's cooler, then the recruiter won't be my recruiter for very long.
Surely where there's an issue it's that the recruiters are being asked for developers with those attributes. They're presumably being asked because the employer, for good or ill is seeking developers with those attributes.
Now, I've personally seen 4 reasons for hiring devs with cutting edge knowledge: because it's cool, because it's the only way to attract good talent, because we checked and we absolutely need that technology and because we run a research lab looking into cutting edge tech we may or may not use.
The latter two are very good reasons to seek hotness. They're also the least likely to be the reason, in my experience. Using shiny, shiny to attract talent is often a successful approach. And who doesn't like cool stuff (though it's a terrible justification)?
It has been suggested several times on HN that another reason is that it attracts younger coders.
Younger coders tend to be more willing to just follow the lead of the management, rather than ask "is this really going to solve the problem?"
Younger coders will put in massively more hours -- this may result in problems like reinventing the wheel, piles of garbage code, etc. -- but it generally "feels good" to be the manager with an energetic, 24-hour around the clock team of young coders.
Younger coders can be paid less, and are willing to forego benefits, stability, medical plans, or even pay sometimes.
Although true, this is is somewhat shooting the messenger. If as a client of the recruiter I ask for COBOL developers and all I get are Clojure resumes because the recruiter thinks it's cooler, then the recruiter won't be my recruiter for very long.
Surely where there's an issue it's that the recruiters are being asked for developers with those attributes. They're presumably being asked because the employer, for good or ill is seeking developers with those attributes.
Now, I've personally seen 4 reasons for hiring devs with cutting edge knowledge: because it's cool, because it's the only way to attract good talent, because we checked and we absolutely need that technology and because we run a research lab looking into cutting edge tech we may or may not use.
The latter two are very good reasons to seek hotness. They're also the least likely to be the reason, in my experience. Using shiny, shiny to attract talent is often a successful approach. And who doesn't like cool stuff (though it's a terrible justification)?