Can attest! At Daniel's suggestion I put together something similar for a (very different) startup, and I got the job at the end of the interview. Nothing says "demonstrated interest" like spending a few (or many) hours putting something together. Because of that time commitment though, I personally think this tactic is reserved for jobs you REALLY WANT.
100% for jobs you REALLY WANT! I agree – it's also an interesting exercise to prove to yourself whether doing the work is actually interesting or exciting for yourself.
I've tried this tactic for applying to other jobs before and have lost enthusiasm for doing the "extra work" for companies. I was mostly trying to convince myself that it would be a good fit, yet ultimately, wasn't actually all that interested in working in that problem space.
Can attest! At Daniel's suggestion I put together something similar for a (very different) startup, and I got the job at the end of the interview. Nothing says "demonstrated interest" like spending a few (or many) hours putting something together. Because of that time commitment though, I personally think this tactic is reserved for jobs you REALLY WANT.
100% for jobs you REALLY WANT! I agree – it's also an interesting exercise to prove to yourself whether doing the work is actually interesting or exciting for yourself.
I've tried this tactic for applying to other jobs before and have lost enthusiasm for doing the "extra work" for companies. I was mostly trying to convince myself that it would be a good fit, yet ultimately, wasn't actually all that interested in working in that problem space.