So, like my handle says, there's that. Experience - 15+ java, includes 8+ android. TC - none at the moment. To do or not to do is the question. Edit: most exercises demand production quality SOLID designs, edge-case handling, robust unit-testing, supposedly as good as one of those google android samples, otherwise, what's the point applying as a senior engineer even? Wonder if any of those google samples were developed end-to-end in less than 8 hours?
I was asked to complete an assignment which could have easily taken 30 hrs. This was for principal engineer role at a successful startup. I refused for assignment then they took 3 more interviews (making it total 8). Finally I rejected their offer.
I never do take homes because there is an asymmetric effort being made. You spend hours of your time and the company spends 10 minutes grading it. At least with an in person interview, the company is wasting just as much time as you are.
Fair point. A related thought is that if they are asking data structures and algorithms questions, that could require more time to prepare than the take-home.
True, I don’t do those either!
Depends on how much u like the company, not all companies are equal. Also depends on your schedule, too many onsites or ph interviews coming up or not. Also depends on how long it’s gonna take. A 1 hr assignment u can knock off easily. So a bunch of variables is gonna help u prioritize your time allotment to this and everything else in life.
I feel like if they say you shouldn't spend more than 4 hours on it another candidate will just spend 12 hours on it and send in a better solution while still stating he just spent 3 hours on it
All the more reason not to do it
I once did a take home interview test for Slack when it was super hot. I spent a week building the system (30 hours) so that I can impress the judges. They really liked the code and then they scheduled the interview with a manager which I thought went well, but apparently I wasn't the right fit! You be the judge.
I see why people are getting all stuck up about it but personally I take the opposite approach. Like McAfee above I go above and beyond and do more than they expect. Usually these assignments say something like “we only expect you to spend X hours on it and we don’t expect you to finish everything” but I do anyway because I can. Usually what happens is that they get so impressed with it that they can’t really find anything to grill me on, and the actual onsite becomes a cakewalk where we just shoot the shit. It’s better for me if they judge me on my ability to do real work rather than on my ability to build a stupid fucking Fibonacci heap in 30 minutes.
Fitness
13h
895
how can i loose 5 pounds with small changes to lifestyle
Tech Industry
15h
2446
Google giving meals. Meanwhile Amazon L8 “don’t take more than one fruit”
Cars
Yesterday
1642
Tesla Model Y is the best car I’ve ever owned. AMA
Working Parents
18h
2573
Is it true many Indian couples are in sexless marriage?
Tech Industry
6h
349
Anyone ever quit a company after 1-2 weeks because they received a better offer?
I don't think you should take more than 4-6 hours on it. As a judge of take-home exercises, I grade it with that understanding. You should probably reach out to the recruiter to clarify if there's a time limit or suggested time. Would you be comfortable sharing which company?