Is a take-home assignment fair during a job interview? Ask Johnny

Johnny C. Taylor Jr. tackles your workplace questions each week for USA TODAY. Taylor is president and CEO of SHRM, the world's largest trade association of human resources professionals, and author of “Reset: A Leader’s Guide to Work in an Age of Upheaval.”

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Question: I applied for a job and was given a take-home assignment as part of the interview process. However, the project feels excessive and looks more like real work that the team would normally be paid to do. Is it reasonable to push back or decline an assignment like this, and how should candidates handle requests that cross that line? –Terrance

Answer: Yes, you can push back. And yes, you can decline. But before you do, ask yourself a more important question: What is this process telling you?

Interviews are a two-way evaluation. The company is assessing your skills. You’re assessing their judgment, culture, and what they prioritize in candidates. A take-home assignment is not just a test of your ability. It’s a preview of expectations.

These projects are often legitimate skills demonstrations. Employers want proof you can do the work. That’s reasonable. A focused, time-bound assignment tied directly to the role is fair.

At the same time, if the request makes you feel uneasy about putting in that much time, it may signal a cultural misalignment. The interview process is your first glimpse into a company’s culture and how they operate.

You don’t need to be confrontational. You can respond professionally and ask some clarifying questions: How long should this take? How will it be evaluated? Is there flexibility in scope? Serious employers will have thoughtful answers.

Be realistic, though. As a candidate, you’re unlikely to overhaul an established hiring practice. If this is how they hire, it’s probably how they operate. Your decision isn’t about changing them. It’s about deciding whether this process, and, ultimately, this environment, fits you.

Also, step back and weigh the full opportunity. Are the compensation, growth prospects, leadership reputation, and mission strong enough for you to justify the lift? Or does this feel like an early warning sign that you may not be fully aligned with the organization?

Not every opportunity deserves your time. And not every process deserves your participation.

If you choose to opt out, do it professionally. Thank them. Keep the door open. The professional world is small. And remember, the hiring process is often the most organized a company will ever be. If it feels misaligned now, it likely won’t feel better later. Trust your judgment.

The views and opinions expressed in this column are the author's and do not necessarily reflect those of USA TODAY.