Body Language That Builds Rapport

Take-home assignments let you show your skills in a realistic setting. Use this opportunity to demonstrate your full capabilities.

Understanding the Assignment

• Read the requirements multiple times
• Note any constraints (time, technology, scope)
• Identify must-haves vs. nice-to-haves
• Ask clarifying questions if allowed

Planning Your Approach

Time Management

• Estimate time for each component
• Plan for code review and testing
• Leave buffer for unexpected issues
• Don't exceed the suggested time limit

Prioritization

• Complete all core requirements first
• Add extras only if time permits
• A working solution beats a perfect partial solution

Writing Quality Code

• Clean, readable, well-organized code
• Meaningful variable and function names
• Appropriate comments (not over-documented)
• Consistent style and formatting
• Error handling for edge cases

Documentation

README Should Include

• Setup and running instructions
• Assumptions you made
• Architectural decisions and trade-offs
• What you'd do differently with more time

Testing

• Include unit tests for core functionality
• Test edge cases and error conditions
• Make sure the project runs from scratch
• Test on a different machine if possible

Before Submitting

• Run through the requirements checklist
• Test the setup from a clean clone
• Review code one final time
• Check for secrets or sensitive data
• Submit before the deadline

Common Mistakes

• Over-engineering the solution
• Ignoring time constraints
• Forgetting to include setup instructions
• Leaving in debug code or comments