[jasonincanada]

I recently did a homework assignment as the first step in an application process, and I didn't find it inappropriate or untoward at all. It's certainly not abusive, I don't understand why the author used this term. It got me through to the second step, a video conference interview with a couple developers and a chance to go over my code, explain my reasoning, answer some challenge questions, etc, in other words, tech screening. I didn't end up getting the position, but at no point did I feel my time was being wasted or that I was being disrespected.

[nybblesio]

You received a response. What if you hadn't? How many hours did you invest? How many of these would you be willing to attempt if you never got a response of any kind? When the author speaks of abuse, I believe -- in part -- this is what they're trying to highlight. For every submissions, like yours, that gets a response, there are probably hundreds that hear absolutely nothing.

I'm OK, within reason, with these homework assignments if they come after some kind of initial screening where the company has shown at least the minimum level of interest.

However, as the very first step, it feels off to me.

[astura]

And there's the asymmetrical relationship if you're asked for a several hours time commitment before they put any time into you.