I was asked to complete an unpaid design assignment (spec work) directly related to their business as part of the interview process. I submitted it on time and followed up afterward. They never responded. There was no feedback, no update, nothing. If a company is going to ask for unpaid assignments, the least they can do is respond. Companies need to stop asking candidates to do spec work unless they plan to treat them with basic respect. It's exploitative and wastes people's time and energy.
Interview questions [1]
Question 1
Create 3 designs:
- Sample promotional email
- Set of Instagram Stories (3–5 slides)
- Mood board for an upcoming product shoot (can be static or in presentation format)
I applied through a recruiter. I interviewed at VIOLET GREY (Los Angeles, CA) in Jan 2017
Interview
Presented portfolio to two art directors and project manager. Asked about myself, what I do now and what I'm looking for. Following the interview was a design test. Very simple.