Please stop the coding challenges

> What companies often ignore is the extra time candidates invest beyond the “suggested time” for these tests.

This is a feature not a bug. Companies are testing if you can focus and complete a hard uncomfortable challenging task, because at your job you’re expected to do things you don’t want to do, but will be rewarded for doing.

Companies are backhandedly selecting for those who can invest the most time beyond the suggested time (read: single, childless people in their early 20s who live at home) and those who are willing to work insane hours. It's a pledge of fealty before you are graced with an interview. 15 pieces of flair is the minimum, but it's up to you whether or not you want to just do the bare minimum.