If the challenge feels like "silly homework" then something is clearly wrong, but completing challenges during an application process if very, very necessary.

If the challenge feels like "silly homework" then something is clearly wrong, but completing challenges during an application process if very, very necessary. I've been in a couple of "hiring manager" roles and many times the challenge completely exposed under par developers with otherwise interesting cv's. Sloppy code, beginner mistakes etc. It's maybe a sign of the times where hiring managers need to actively test whether someone is propping up their CV with stuff or is actually knowledgeable. I wish it were different, but alas it is not.