The only absolute benefit of open source experience from the hiring perspective, as I see it, is that there is (presumably) an existing verifiable repository of code samples, as well as possibly examples of "soft" and/or managerial skills from things as mundane as mailing list posts.
Whether the company chooses to avail themselves to this information is a different matter, as are any moral judgments they may make based on their stance on and knowledge of open-source in general.
From the programmer's perspective, particularly a novice one's, just <em>having</em> experience to be able to point to is good. The additional benefit is the networking that necessarily takes place as part of any open-source project, and might not otherwise happen. Knowing people is very, very useful (and, well, nice.)
Perhaps there exists, though, a group of people whose primary motivation is to <em>be known</em>, rather than to know others. That is where I would expect to see diluted value.
By way of anecdote, I will say that I am currently enjoying my (open-source) work at one of the biggest tech companies, hired specifically because of the open-source work I am engaged in.
Whether the company chooses to avail themselves to this information is a different matter, as are any moral judgments they may make based on their stance on and knowledge of open-source in general.
From the programmer's perspective, particularly a novice one's, just <em>having</em> experience to be able to point to is good. The additional benefit is the networking that necessarily takes place as part of any open-source project, and might not otherwise happen. Knowing people is very, very useful (and, well, nice.)
Perhaps there exists, though, a group of people whose primary motivation is to <em>be known</em>, rather than to know others. That is where I would expect to see diluted value.
By way of anecdote, I will say that I am currently enjoying my (open-source) work at one of the biggest tech companies, hired specifically because of the open-source work I am engaged in.