I very much understand your sentiment. Unfortunately we haven't found any other functional way to achieve the same goal.
I am not sure about other firms, but we personally look for how the candidate thinks about the problem more than anything. Did they handle exceptions well. Are they focusing on efficiency, readability, speed, or?
We found out that from a simple assignment that shouldn't take more than 30 min, we learn more than sitting with the person for hours. Plus they can do at their own pace without someone breathing down on their neck.
I am not sure about other firms, but we personally look for how the candidate thinks about the problem more than anything. Did they handle exceptions well. Are they focusing on efficiency, readability, speed, or?
We found out that from a simple assignment that shouldn't take more than 30 min, we learn more than sitting with the person for hours. Plus they can do at their own pace without someone breathing down on their neck.