[RodericDay]

Why not just ask them?

You're on the phone with them, you can ask them if they'd prefer a little challenge to showcase their skills, or whether they'd like to provide a portfolio example instead.

Maybe a bright self-taught college student switching tracks into software would pick #1, a parent switching jobs would pick #2.

[PedroCandeias]

That's actually a great suggestion and I'm ashamed to admit it never occurred to me. I'll definitely share it internally. Thanks!

[numbsafari]

This sounds reasonable.

"We ask that you provide:

1) an implementation of this sample project (estimated 8 hours time).

2) a work sample that meets the following criteria (same criteria we are looking for in the sample project)"