But then again, a candidate that puts in way more effort is also a strong signal for future performance.
I suppose it depends on the employer, does he prefer candidates that put in more effort but might be less talented, or very talented but might not have much resolve (unproven at least).
If I'm given a time limit on an assignment, I'm going to take the time allotted and it will reflect in my (admittedly easily faked) git history.
If the employer is being honest, then we're all good. But if they're going to go with the candidate that puts in 5x the time allotted, then I clearly don't want to work for them either.
It's an obvious red flag IMO. If they ask for n hours in the interview but expect more than that, then they're likely to do the same thing when you're on the job. Don't be surprised if a few months down the line you're working 12 hour days 6 days a week or you're an underperformer and the first to get cut.
I suppose it depends on the employer, does he prefer candidates that put in more effort but might be less talented, or very talented but might not have much resolve (unproven at least).