[dandanisaur]

The take-home/programming tests in general are just as bad as interview questions. You're asking senior level engineers to take 3-5 hours (at what? 100-150$ hr bill-rate) to see if they can code?

Do you like them? Check. Do you feel like they are telling the truth? Check. If you use the 'try before you buy' method: You can easily see if they can handle the job/handle the pressure.

Also, you probably aren't the only company/avenue they are applying towards. All of the calls/tests add up.

The question is though, since companies are already using take-home tests/interview questions... can anyone confirm that these methods are more effective than a 'try before you by/contract to hire' position?