I think homework like this is only appropriate if you compensate the applicant. It's really no different from requiring hours of studying prior to an interview,

I think homework like this is only appropriate if you compensate the applicant. It's really no different from requiring hours of studying prior to an interview, and the addition of deliverables makes it feel extra icky to me. Every time I've seen what an applicant submitted for such an assignment, it's been garbage; I don't think it's a good way to assess candidates. Edit: a previous employer told candidates to not spend more than 8 hours on these assignments. For a position that pays 100k/yr with 3 weeks of vacation, that's a bit over $50/hr. Needless to say, they weren't giving these candidates $400.