IE technology Developer

[Poster Rabid]

Has anyone heard of Mahalo?
Let me know if you apply here. I would like to know what happens. I have a good reason to know. Email privately for more info.

blog.mahalo.com/?p=44

Quote:Mahalo is looking for a developer to build multiple Mahalo IE Toolbar technologies. You should be familiar with desktop application programming under Windows 2000, XP and Vista, as well as MS Internet Explorer versions 6 and 7. Should understand multi-threaded development models and have an understanding of general web technologies and how to interface the Toolbar with remote websites. Core competencies: C++, MFC, ATL, COM, ActiveX, Win32, Win16.

Quote:This is a highly visible, front line position in a high-profile search startup. The company is backed by all-stars Sequoia (Google, Youtube), Newscorp, CBS, Elon Musk (Paypal), and several others of note. The ideal person is a self starter with the general get it factor. You work well with a team of like-minded engineers, and have a genuine desire for excellence. The culture of the company is one where youll work hard and play hard, and new features and ideas are very rapidly prototyped and made live. We release and iterate in fast cycles. The opportunity to work with a world-class internet startup in Los Angeles is rare. We expect the coming year to be extremely exciting, with high growth and great rewards. Come be a part of it!

Quote:Send resume to mark at mahalo dot com

[Poster Rabid]

Is this one of those jobs American's don't want? I am really suprised no one in this group has responded. I am pretty familiar with this outfit and it looks good to me. This is a company who only hires Americans because they "get it". Also I know that the pay is decent. I was told you can work from anywhere in the U.S. If you go FTE it includes good benefits and stock options.

I would have done it myself but I don't know IE development well enough. If you do, you are missing a really good opportunity.

So what's the problem?

[katyt]

Quote:Is this one of those jobs American's don't want?

No, it is not. Some Americans want it, but you are talking to the wrong crowd.

The job you described here sounds more like a job for guys who just start their career, early 20s. The guys on this board can see through things much better with 10-30 years experience.

[The Gorn]

I have some but not all of the technologies listed. I haven't worked with IE nor developed extensions for it.

There aren't a lot of people running around with current and recent C++ and COM experience - trust me, I know this from recent experience trying to staff just such a position. And this place is asking for a very specific subset of those skills.

I wouldn't apply in my own case because it would be a waste of time with the skills mismatch.

I only wondered about the Win16 requirement. That is the only WTF moment in the ad, Win16 is deaaaad and has been for 10+ years. The rest sounded reasonable. They want what they want. And I doubt that an far eastern offshore type would be what they want and need.

[David Cressey]

Quote:I only wondered about the Win16 requirement. That is the only WTF moment in the ad, Win16 is deaaaad and has been for 10+ years. The rest sounded reasonable. They want what they want. And I doubt that an far eastern offshore type would be what they want and need

Maybe their preferred candidate has WIN16 experience, and this is just a red herring requirement.

[The Gorn]

Why the red herring, then?

Win16 implies Windows 3.11 and older versions of Windows. Windows 3.x has not been sold or distributed since (probably) 1996-97. Perhaps up until 2000 or so Win16 could have been positioned as fallback and legacy compatibility for the oldest systems around. I recall supporting Win16 code for one product based client up until 1999 or so, but after than they cut their ties with the platform.

But not since then.

It just makes me suspect the quality of the management oversight, just a little.

Or perhaps extra points will go to candidates who say "that's dumb/crazy, why?"

[David Cressey]

Quote:Why the red herring, then?

To reduce the number of qualified applicants, hopefully to zero.

Reference the exchange between katyt and me a month or so ago.  Katyt said (roughly)  that they added to the reqs that the applicatant had to have a bachelor in EE and a master in chip design,  so that no one would be able to qualify.  

[Poster Rabid]

I admit I was kinda frustrated because I know this company.

Don't overanalyze the situation. In general the tone of the responses sounds like you guys are a bit skeptical from having been bitten too often.

I don't think this one is like that. The Win16 is probably a mistake. I would call them on it if you respond. They are just looking for a developer with good knowledge of MS-IE to develop plug-ins. Currently they are a Mac shop with Firefox knowledge only.

Regards,
rabid as usual

[David Cressey]

Quote:Don't overanalyze the situation.

That's good advice.  

With regard to why your original post did not draw the response you expected:  don't overanalyze the situation.  Back to the main topic.  

I am glad to find out that the requirement for WIN16 was based on ignorance rather than deception.  That could still be a reason not to apply.

[JavaMouse]

Quote:Is this one of those jobs American's don't want?

Very limited match to my skill set, not worth spending the time applying.