As a programmer which one of the choices would you prefer? Mailing endless resumes while waiting for that one call, or participating in a live coding challenge to test your skill sets?

That's where competitive programming through contests and challenges can open more doors. The good news is that top tier companies have become enthusiasts. So start tracking these coding challenges for money or jobs and grab that career breakthrough today.

1. HackerRank

Leading Companies Hiring: Adobe, Booking.com, Dell, LinkedIn, RedHat, Uber

HackerRank boasts of 5 million developers who have sweated over 21 million code challenges so far. The platform assesses skills with a steady stream of contests on algorithms, machine learning, or artificial intelligence.

HackerRank has four core areas: Practice, Compete, Job, and Leaderboard.

Solve the code challenges in the Compete section and apply for jobs via HackerRank.

Just want to have fun? HackerRank also runs regular hackathons with cash prizes along with sponsored competitions from major technology companies.