A designer recently asked me:

“Joseph… why am I still getting take-home challenges

even after doing a portfolio presentation?”

I get it.

It feels like free work.

It feels like more hoops.

But here’s the truth:

A portfolio shows your past.

A take-home shows how you think right now.

It’s not about “can you design?”

It’s about:

• Can you work within real-world constraints?

• Can you ask good questions?

• Can you problem-solve under pressure?

It’s not just a test.

It’s a trust check.

Here’s how I personally decide whether to do one:

✅ If it’s early in the interview process: skip it. Red flag.

✅ If it’s down to final 2–3 candidates: do it. You’re close.

When you do take one on, don’t just dive into Figma.

Start by asking smart questions:

• What problem are we solving?

• What constraints should I know?

• What would success look like to you?

• How should I present this? (Hint: use slides, not just a Figma link.)

And here’s the thing no one tells you:

A great take-home isn’t just about your design.

It’s about how you handle the process.

Make it a two-way interaction.

Ask follow-up questions.

Clarify assumptions.

Invite feedback while you’re working on it.

Don’t just show the solution.

Tell the story.

If you’re still not converting after the challenge, here’s where to check yourself:

1. Job fit

Did your case study show business impact, not just UI?

2. Mindset fit

Did you share what you learned, not just what you did?

3. Culture fit

Did you leave people with a feeling they want to work with you again?

Because every interview is more than a checklist.

It’s a gut check.

No one hires “the best designer.”

They hire someone they trust.

And trust comes from clarity, confidence, and communication.

If you’re struggling with take-home challenges or feeling stuck in your interviews…

This might be the missing piece.

Invite you to reframe how you see these “tests.”

They might just be trust exercises in disguise.

I shared more on this in a short chat with Chris about interview challenges, take-home assignments, and how hiring managers really evaluate candidates.

🎥 Watch the snippet here → How To Beat Take-Home Challenge (UX Interview)

Hope it helps.