Do Coding Challenge Sites Matter for Employers in Europe?

In my experience, coding challenges aren’t usually a big focus in interviews here. Companies look for finished projects instead, whether they’re for clients or personal endeavors. The challenges are fun but don’t reflect real-world coding skills.

From what I've seen, European employers don't really give much weight to coding challenges. If you enjoy them, keep at it for practice, but they’re not seen as a vital part of your skills. It's more about practical experience and project work that counts in interviews.

While some UK employers still incorporate coding challenges into their interviews, it’s not everything. I’ve been coding for 26 years and can say that real-world applications are where the real skills lie, not just passing interviews.

I think challenge sites can help a bit, but they're not the main focus. Employers generally want to see practical skills and projects you've completed rather than just a score on a website. Balancing challenge time with real projects may impress hiring managers more.

Honestly, I’ve never heard coding challenge sites mentioned in my interviews across Scandinavia. Most companies value a strong CV and relevant experience over scores. The typical multi-round interview process here often feels like a charade.