Here's a really simple test for whether a work-sample scheme is effective, or just a bullshit trend-chasing afterthought:
Does the work sample test offset all or most of the unstructured tech evaluation the company would otherwise do?
If it does, that means they have a work-sample test rubric they believe in, and they're hiring confidently. If it doesn't, they don't believe in what they're doing, and the programming challenges they're assigning can thus reasonably be seen as more hoop-jumping.
In the latter case, it's up to you to decide whether a prospective job is worth extra hoop-jumping. Some teams are worth it!
Does the work sample test offset all or most of the unstructured tech evaluation the company would otherwise do?
If it does, that means they have a work-sample test rubric they believe in, and they're hiring confidently. If it doesn't, they don't believe in what they're doing, and the programming challenges they're assigning can thus reasonably be seen as more hoop-jumping.
In the latter case, it's up to you to decide whether a prospective job is worth extra hoop-jumping. Some teams are worth it!