Hypothetically: Could stack overflow help you get a job?

Question

Duplicate of this question and this one.

I was thinking this morning whether there might be a time in the future where one could proudly display their stack overflow username as a "Credential" on thier resume.

I know it's a two edged sword, because having a high SO score also probably means you spend a lot of time procrastinating, but if you can prove that you have extensive knowledge of a particular platform by answering questions on it why should you not have it on your CV, it certainly shows that you know your stuff.

What are the plus's and minus's of this?

This is purely Hypothetical I dont think my so account for example would proove much about my experience for example as I've answered and asked far too many inane and or subjective questions. But I can see how somone could prove that they konw thier stuff by pointing to Stack overflow.

Answer 1

If your name is Jon Skeet, yes maybe ;o)

Answer 2

Probably not, it would depend on whether the recuiter or employer is tech-savvy enough to check that. Nowadays, they tend to just google up your name and see what commes up.

Answer 3

Maybe not pointing to SO username but letting potential employers find you out in the wild may help them create more positive image. Especially if they see a lot of smart comments and will to share your knowledge and help your peers.

Answer 4

i think, for many (big-)company-recruiters this can lead to a back-fire: "Oh, that person is telling trade-secrets to foreign people outside his cubicle which are working for the other big company! this person is a no-go [stamped as unconfidential]"

Answer 5

I'm sure it would look good on your C.V.

"SO Rep: 17k!"

Answer 6

If I knew the key reason for an employer hiring me was that I had a high score on some online Q&A I wouldn't want that job.

So in theory my SO rep could help me not get a job.

Answer 7

Your S.O. rep might provide employer value if you were trying to get a job where influence outside the employer walls is valuable. For example; writing, developer websites, or any other company selling directly to developers.

I don't think anybody else will understand, learn about, or really care about the Stack Overflow reputation system. The planned SO blog badges may be a better way to subtly use your rep to establish yourself as an expert though.

Also, unless you are actively promoting a book or something, then a super high 20k rep may be seen as a poor use of your time. I don't think most people would recognize the value you are getting from a site like this.