I recently interviewed for a Product Manager position. The process was lengthy and lasted about two months, involving multiple interviews and a take-home assignment. After completing these steps, I was unexpectedly asked to do a work trial, which was not mentioned initially.
Although the teams were collaborative and the projects seemed promising, the criteria for the work trial were unclear. I was informed I would be evaluated on working style and product intuition, but the assessment appeared to be based on unknown factors. Despite receiving positive feedback during the trial, there was no guidance to refine the deliverable, and the final feedback was a single vague comment and rejection following an 80+ hour commitment to the process, which seemed unreasonable.
In hindsight, the trial seemed more focused on refining the job description, getting some deliverables done, and learning how to work with a product manager than genuinely hiring.
Overall, this interview process may not be a good use of time for prospective candidates.