[dfcarney]

I work at a company where a “take home” assignment is a routine part of evaluating candidates who have made it through the initial screenings and face-to-face discussions. However, we set up all such assignments as small contracts (say 2 - 10 hours, depending on the candidates availability, the position, etc). We pay market rates and try to be as accommodating as possible; sometimes, a candidate just can’t fit it in, so we find alternatives or take more of a risk when we offer them a job. In general, however, it’s a great system for us and, I feel, very fair. I see it as a cost of recruiting and risk mitigation.