[lazyant]

Same here, the problem is that it takes a lot of time and effort to set up and run a meaningful standardized hiring process (and is very hard to outsource) and also people don't even consider planning for it, thinking they can just ask some questions in a couple interviews.

For more junior candidates I'd go the "take home test" route, for senior candidates I don't see any other solution than sitting down and design the process properly.

[h0w412d]

I have to say, I hate take home tests. They move all the burden of time commitment onto the candidate. And even if the question says it should take 2-3 hours, there's a game theory situation where you have to assume others are spending more than the recommended time to make their answer more polished, forcing you to spend more than the recommended time.

Finally, companies never pay you back appropriately for your time investment. If you fail the question, they don't give you a detailed report of why you failed. I'll always politely turn down a take home test.