> Give the candidate a realistic technical challenge to complete in a realistic timeframe The problem is that a realistic challenge involves figuring out a rea

> Give the candidate a realistic technical challenge to complete in a realistic timeframe The problem is that a realistic challenge involves figuring out a realistic system. Realistic systems tend to be large, complicated, hairy. They tend to involve a lot of domain knowledge. They tend to have subtle considerations. Working with a realistic system does not generally take a realistic amount of time. Not for an interview, at least.