[janephilipps]

I agree that time suggestions are usually way off, which can be a positive and a negative. On one hand, you can spend a ton of time to go above and beyond, while on the other hand, you may have other priorities. I think if you're really excited about a job or company, you can show that by putting a lot of effort in.

[davidbanham]

That inherently biases the interview process away from people that have additional commitments in life. You're going to end up preferentially treating those that are currently unemployed versus people that have jobs, for example.

Also, you're likely to be homogenizing your applicant base. Expect to see many more young people and recent grads versus people with kids.

[janephilipps]

I agree with your point. I'll add that for new developers and those without the traditional CS background (both of whom are my target audience for this guide) spending the extra time is a learning experience for them that can make them better developers.

Ultimately, it's not the applicant's choice what the parameters of the interview process are (I commend you for working to make it better) - given that, why shouldn't an applicant try to give themselves an edge in the process?

[davidbanham]

You're completely right, Jane. I was viewing this pretty myopically from the hiring side as that's where I usually sit. Very true that candidates usually need to play somebody else's game, regardless of whether it's rigged.