Free Beer

According to the Department of Labor we are in a decade where demand for software developers is expected to grow at twice the rate of other occupations. The so-called "War for Talent" is in full swing with companies offering perks from free beer & hair cuts to bringing your dog to work and "unlimited" vacation days.

The interesting thing about these perks is often they don't align with what software professionals actually want. What good is free beer if you are too busy to enjoy it?  Why bring your dog to work when your boss is a jerk? Sure, some of these perks can be fun, but most professionals would rather work with smart people in a nurturing environment and be compensated fairly based on their abilities. 

This recent article from ERE makes many good points about what makes a developer happy and engages them at work.  It asks pointed questions such as:

• Are you excited about what you're building?
• Does the company share your goals and values?
• Do you like hanging out with your coworkers?
• Is the work interesting and challenging?
• Where is the office located and what is the culture?
• How much "voice" do you have in your work?

Asking these questions will get you a lot farther in determining a fit than asking what kind of beer they have on tap or if the bowling alley rents shoes. Perks should be the icing on the cake. When considering your current or future employer the answers to those questions will be a lot more important than half day Fridays.