i can agree with this. i don't like quiz types of questions either. if i were to hire someone, i'd rather hire someone who i know i can rely upon to get a job done, regardless of their knowledge. someone who knows how to teach themselves, who is able to learn and learn quickly.
but, i still think that a longer-form, more essay-like quiz is better than grilling someone over the phone and expecting them to continuously talk to you while they're working through something.
I agree. I used to make the mistake of screening on language trivia and simple functional ability (like they're doing here). HUGE mistake.
Now I screen on much bigger topics that tend to be more philosophical in nature. The role of design patterns, benefits of one language over the other (particularly functional languages), value of unit tests...
They submit their answers via e-mail, and within a minute or two I already know if there is any value in at least talking to them in a more formal interview setting. I've found that folks who understand development at this much higher level always handle the basics well.
but, i still think that a longer-form, more essay-like quiz is better than grilling someone over the phone and expecting them to continuously talk to you while they're working through something.