Agreed. As a datapoint, I’m fairly senior (staff SWE at 2 companies), and there’s absolutely no way I’d do a 4 hour take home assignment. I work long enough hours already, and when I’m considering a job move, I interview at multiple places. No way am I investing that much in a single “maybe” role, especially not when the job market is so excellent for experienced devs.

Also, re:

> Benefits and salary are good (though salary isn't posted in the ad)

If the salary is legitimately strong, you should post it.

In summary, as advice to OP:

- Put the salary in the ad

- Scrap the take home assignment

It’s still hard to hire legit senior devs, but those 2 changes will make it significantly easier.