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3.5Format 4: Take-Home Assignments
What to Include
| Component | Why It Matters |
|---|---|
| Clear README with setup instructions | Shows you think about the reader, not just the code |
| Clean project structure | Shows you can organize a real framework, not just write scripts |
| Multiple test types | UI, API, and at least one non-functional test shows breadth |
| CI configuration | A working GitHub Actions file shows you think about the full lifecycle |
| Meaningful assertions | Assert behavior, not implementation details |
| Error handling | Tests that produce clear failure messages, not stack traces |
| Code comments (sparingly) | Explain why, not what. Comments on architectural decisions, not obvious code. |
Common Take-Home Mistakes
| Mistake | Why It Hurts | Fix |
|---|---|---|
| No README | Reviewer cannot run your tests | Write a README with setup, run, and architecture sections |
| Tests depend on each other | One failure cascades, masking real issues | Each test should be independent and idempotent |
| Hardcoded test data | Tests break on different environments | Use environment variables or config files |
| No negative tests | Shows only happy-path thinking | Include at least 30% negative/edge case tests |
| Over-engineering | Take-home is a time-boxed exercise, not a production framework | Build what is asked, add a "future improvements" section in the README |
| No CI | Shows you do not think about automation end-to-end | Add a simple GitHub Actions workflow, even if basic |