I prefer take-home assignments. I know that they often get a bad rep and have the potential for abuse; for this reason I'd argue for implementing some or other solution in the field.

I recently had one requiring me to develop a native mobile application, which I enjoyed. It was interesting, the code is useful down the line, and if I don't land the job, it beefs up my portfolio.

Initial screening by recruiters is tough as my background's missing a degree and industry experience.

Context: self-taught, started out with game dev, tried going solo - not a runaway success. Looking to move away from the field.