Ask HN: Having trouble getting senior applicants, wondering what to do about it
Lots of great comments here;<p>My thoughts on this as other Seniors have pointed out (and I am a Senior myself)<p>1- I have not looked for a job since 2014, every job since came through my network. 
Then the interviews were basically friendly meet&amp;greets but super informal, not a single coding test or take home assignment - note than I always started as Tech lead&#x2F;Architect. I put in the hours and took pride in my work, have never let anyone down.<p>2- Unless I am unemployed and desperate, why would I give you between 6 and 7 hours of “free” unpaid labor for an interview that might not go anywhere?
A big part of the interview process is “luck”.
I have many terrible interviewing stories; 
interviewing is hard and for the most part a numbers and luck game. 
I hate wasting time and for that reason I carefully calculate my odds before applying and put more emphasis on gigs when I have a sponsor on the inside or where the upside and risk make it worth the attempt. Which disqualifies most non tech non brand name companies.<p>My suggestions for you;<p>1- Include salary and TC on your job post (it will set you apart from others) and will attract more attention.<p>2- Shorten&#x2F;Simplify your hiring process and consider paying folks for their time, at least $100hr.<p>I have interviewed at places where it costs $40 to park for the day, you are there for 3-5 hrs for a final in person round, but if you don’t get an offer they don’t validate your parking ticket so not only you wasted your time but also spent a bunch of money on top of taking a day off from your current job.<p>Last but not least, think about the state of the market, Seniors are likely older, with families and mortgages. in this market, stability is important, changing jobs can be a gamble, their offer could get rescinded, etc 
Why take the risk?  This will be true in the next 12&#x2F;24 months, what is the incentive - unless the candidate is already unemployed.<p>Thanks for your time.