how do juniors stand out when everyone submits similar solutions?

I want to ask to all the junior developers here. I’ve reviewed dozens of assignments and many submissions look identical: clean code, but zero narrative. Juniors underestimate how important intent explanation is.

If you’re stuck or unsure, do you communicate that? Do you document trade-offs? Do you mention basic security checks?

Take-homes are not tests of perfection — they’re windows into your thinking. I’m curious to hear from juniors here: what confuses you about take-homes? And seniors: what “stand-out signals” actually make you shortlist someone?