I use side projects to figure out what aspects of software engineering the candidate seems to enjoy. Do they fiddle with the CSS nonstop to get the margins just right? Are they constantly trying to decrease the memory impact of a function? Does the README read like an appliance manual or a haiku of puns?

Side projects are a strong signal the candidate enjoys this line of work, and ideally I'd want them working on things they would enjoy.

I would prefer if you would ask me about my preferences then guessing them like that. You would got them wrong.

I would also prefer if I did not had to worry about readme or css projecting this or that image.