I interviewed for the Senior Graphic Designer role with the Multifamily Capital Markets team. The initial conversation was positive, and the responsibilities aligned with my background in real estate branding and offering memorandum design. However, the interview process required candidates to complete a full, multi-page spec project, including layout development, branded styling, and delivery of packaged InDesign source files. This is not a small design test — it is the equivalent of producing a completed client-facing offering memorandum. I explained that while I was willing to provide a sample that demonstrated my design approach and capabilities, I could not complete full production work and deliver editable files for free, especially while balancing work for paying clients. Instead of working with me on a reasonable alternative, the company ended the interview process. It’s worth noting that: • The project brief was detailed enough to be immediately usable as billable work. • Requiring packaged files in a free design test is highly uncommon and not standard practice in the design industry. • My existing portfolio and professional experience should have been sufficient to evaluate skill level. Designers, especially those with professional and real estate experience, should be aware that this “design test” is essentially unpaid production work. Companies, please consider that requesting free labor — and especially source files — is not an equitable or respectful way to evaluate creative candidates. A one-page test or review of past work is a far more appropriate and industry-standard approach.