Johnny C. Taylor Jr. answers workplace questions every week on USA TODAY. Taylor is president and CEO of SHRM, the world’s largest human resources professional organization, 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, this project feels like overkill and looks like real work that the team would normally be paid to do. Is it reasonable to push back or deny such assignments, and how should candidates deal with requests that cross that line? – Terrace
Answer: Yes, you can push it back. Yes, you can refuse. But before you do that, ask yourself a more important question. What does this process tell us?
The interview is a two-way evaluation. The company is evaluating your skills. We’re evaluating their judgment, their culture, and what they prioritize in candidates. Take-home assignments are not just an ability test. This is a preview of expectations.
These projects are often legitimate skill demonstrations. Employers want proof that you can do the job. That’s reasonable. Focused, time-bound assignments that are directly tied to the role are fair.
At the same time, if you don’t feel comfortable spending that much time on the request, it may indicate a cultural misalignment. The interview process is your first glimpse into the company culture and how it operates.
There’s no need to be confrontational. Be able to answer professionally and ask clarifying questions. “How long will this take?” How will it be evaluated? Is there flexibility in scope? A serious employer will give you a thoughtful answer.
However, be realistic. As a candidate, you are unlikely to completely reinvent established hiring practices. If this is how they hire, then it’s probably how they operate. Your decision is not to change them. It is important to decide whether this process, and ultimately this environment, is right for you.
Also, take a step back and consider all opportunities. Are your compensation, growth prospects, leadership reputation, and mission strong enough to warrant an increase, or does this feel like an early warning sign that you may not be fully aligned with the organization?
Not every opportunity is worth your time. Also, not all processes are worth participating in.
If you choose to opt out, please do so professionally. Thank you to them. Please leave the door open. The professional world is small. And remember, the hiring process is often the most organized a company will ever be. Even if you feel out of place now, it may not get better later. Trust your own judgment.
The views and opinions expressed in this column are those of the author and do not necessarily reflect those of USA TODAY.
