reads_at_work

Agreed. Considering how important this problem is, you'd think there would be a generally accepted solution that was both effective at finding the right candidate and efficient with resources (both the candidate's and the company's). As far as I know, there isn't one.

To be fair, there's a board certification process for doctors that they are typically expected to pass before being considered for employment. You could argue this is their version of a 'take-home' interview.