[easton]

Although, if you wanted them to do a longer project, Basecamp’s method where they pay the applicant to do the project seems like a good way to do it. And you’ll get the most complete picture of their expertise (of course, you wouldn’t want to do this until the last step of the process).

[aplusbi]

This can get sticky with employee contracts, that may (and likely do) forbid an employee from doing contract work for another company, at least without permission.