Interview preparation
Plan an interview assignment within its instructions
Start with the employer's written instructions, then list every deliverable and rule before planning any work. Divide the time you are allowed across those deliverables, write down the assumptions you had to make, and check the finished work against the instructions before you submit.
A text to start with
I received a take-home assignment for [role] at [organization]. The instructions say: [paste instructions]. The deadline and time guidance are [details]. Pull out every deliverable, format requirement and rule, including anything about tools or outside help. Then propose a time split across the deliverables and list assumptions I should state in my submission. Quote the instructions where you rely on them.
Example request. Change the details to fit your situation.Take-home assignment plan
Role and organization: [ ] Deadline and where to submit: [ ] Stated time guidance: [ ] Deliverables: [ ] Format, length and naming requirements: [ ] Rule on AI tools or outside help, quoted: [ ] If silent, who I asked and the reply: [ ] Time plan by deliverable: [ ] Assumptions to state in the submission: [ ] Open questions for the coordinator: [ ] Final check against instructions: [ ] Changes made after the check: [ ] Date and time submitted: [ ]
Rules that are easy to miss
Look for any statement about AI tools, outside help, collaboration or reusing earlier work. The employer's rule on these decides what help you may use. If the instructions are silent, ask the recruiter or coordinator instead of assuming. Check whether a stated time limit refers to your working time or the submission window. Confirm file format, naming, length and where to send it. Write down any assumption you made to fill a gap and state it in the submission.
Ask another agent to check the result
Before suggesting any assistance, find what the employer's instructions say about AI tools or outside help and quote it. If they are silent or unclear, say so and list the question to ask the coordinator. Then check that my plan covers every stated deliverable.
Confirm, then schedule
Ask the coordinator about unclear rules, especially on permitted help and timing. Work on parts the instructions clearly allow while a separate question is pending. Do not use assistance whose permission is unresolved. Plan within the stated time limits, and check the finished submission against every instruction before sending it.