I tried to explain to a previous employer how much their little "brainteaser" test was turn off to legitimately talented engineers. I explained that everybody i

I tried to explain to a previous employer how much their little "brainteaser" test was turn off to legitimately talented engineers. I explained that everybody in town knows about the test and basically refuses to even entertain the company because of it. Bear in mind this is a place building relatively simple web apps... standard line of business stuff. The test was questions like "how many words can you unscramble from these letters" etc. A majority of the engineers felt the test meant you "knew you were working with smart people". A majority of the code was unmaintainable sludge. (though a few people were extremely talented) I no longer work there.