My interview experience with ChaShaMa was extremely disappointing and unprofessional.
The hiring process involved multiple rounds of interviews and four separate assignments, including written responses and a detailed three-month social media campaign timeline (a document that ended up being 25 pages, built from scratch). In total, I spent 30–40 hours completing work for this process, including mock design work, written assignments, and timeline planning. Only one portion of the work was compensated, capped at $150, despite requiring significantly more time than the stated estimate.
Throughout the process, timelines repeatedly shifted. I was told several times that a hiring decision would be made within a certain week, only for the deadline to move again and again without clear communication.
The most concerning part of the experience was that I was explicitly told I would be joining the team and that a job offer letter would be sent later that day. Less than 24 hours later, I received another email stating that the organization had implemented a hiring freeze due to a budget review and the role was no longer being filled. To not have clarity on the finances of a role, while still stringing along candidates, and requiring 4 mostly unpaid and EXTREMELY complex and time consuming projects is beyond selfish, unprofessional, and just inexcusable.
Rescinding an offer after an extended interview process (within 24 hours of saying you got the job)—especially after requiring candidates to complete extensive project work—is highly discouraging and reflects wildly poor internal planning.
I feel extremely disgusted and burned by ChaShaMa and this experience was cruel and discouraging to say the least.