diff --git a/RECOMMENDATIONS.md b/RECOMMENDATIONS.md
index 405d98c..7af5da6 100644
--- a/RECOMMENDATIONS.md
+++ b/RECOMMENDATIONS.md
@@ -6,6 +6,7 @@ Have a suggestion? Please contribute to this doc!
 - Take-home exercises can be good. Please try to:
   - time-box them (e.g. under 4 hours)
   - only allow use of the standard library
+  - keep it work-related. If their work will primarily be modifying an existing codebase, give them existing code to modify. If it will primarily involve creating new services from scratch, have them build something from scratch.
   - pay the candidate for their time
 - Give the candidate options:
   - Some candidates might not have the time necessary to complete a take-home exercise. In those scenarios, allow the candidate to take their laptop in to perform a shorter exercise (e.g. pair program on a small issue)