Live design exercise during an interview: standard practice or a chance for them to get me to work for free?

Anonymous

November 8,2021 at 5:55PM UTC

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Live design exercise during an interview: standard practice or a chance for them to get me to work for free?

I've been a designer for 10+ years and I've never seen this; my portfolio, resume, and references have always been sufficient. I've also given presentations of my work. I have a remote interview coming up, and they want me to spend a half hour coming up with design solutions for a specific situation.

I had this happen a lot as a freelancer ("show me how you'd design a flyer for us, then maybe we'll hire you for more work"). I always say "no thank you" and move on from those requests. But in a first-round interview? Anyone else have this happen? If I design something they like, can they use it (legally) or do I own it? Thanks!

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Barb HansenNovember 8,2021 at 9:51PM UTC
I have never been asked to do a live "solve-a-problem" exercise during a first round interview.
I have, like you, have been asked to do homework assignments, or a coding test but never during an early round interview. I have been asked how I would approach a specific Product, UX/UI, operational issue that is always related to a real-world problem the company is having, but having an approach conversation is different than your issue of "live design exercise"
I would do a fake-design exercise but I don't think I would do a live "solve a design issue or design a product" exercise during an early phase interview.
I don't know what the illegality of them keeping your design work without paying for it, but I'm interested to see what the group has to say.
AnonymousNovember 8,2021 at 9:59PM UTC
I agree with you that it's odd for a first round interview. I would maybe expect it as a last round but they should have a very good explanation why they are asking you to do this work, particularly if you have a robust portfolio available to share with them.
AnonymousNovember 8,2021 at 10:04PM UTC
This is crazy.
Stacey DarlingNovember 8,2021 at 11:34PM UTC
No experience with this-but my gut instinct is screaming "SKETCHY".
AnonymousNovember 10,2021 at 1:17PM UTC
Have you hired anyone in the creative industry?
Eva SteortzNovember 9,2021 at 3:18AM UTC
Times are changing. Many of my marketing clients report having to write full marketing strategy plans to demonstrate their approach. I have had data scientist clients tell me they are presented with real challenges and given an assignment for how they would solve it. Like many have said, the exercises usually come later in the process. I have also heard of many different personality tests being used to demonstrate cultural fit. If you are interested in the role, 30 minutes work to demonstrate your approach doesn't sound that crazy to me. If fact, better than spend 3 days working on a marketing plan. Good luck! Cheering you on, Eva
Allison RuffnerNovember 9,2021 at 1:08PM UTC
It seems a little early in the process, but there might be a way to deal with this. If it's Zoom, is it on your own software? Can you watermark it as soon as it is complete?
Rebecca AliNovember 9,2021 at 1:09PM UTC
Yes I was thinking the same thing. Do it but ensure it can't be used without permission.
Rhianna WeilertNovember 9,2021 at 1:15PM UTC
This is definitely a growing trend. I think I would draw the line if they request the design project be for their company / a solution they could use / with their branding. I recently declined this kind of request which required a lot more time than what they said it should take (1-2 hrs) especially in that I was given no branding assets and would have to fish for them. The real point is interviewers need to get better at questioning and picking up on clues in how applicants talk about and present their work. I spent a full year putting my portfolio together so it better count for something.
AnonymousNovember 9,2021 at 2:53PM UTC
Very good points about not doing free work that is directly related to the company.
I disagree about getting better at asking questions. The purpose of These exercises is not just tactical skills but is also behavioral/culture. These exercises arrive at behavioral aspects that you wouldn’t just directly ask of someone. How do one responds to uncertainty is entirely different than watching someone respond to uncertainty.
I posted a reply above with extended thoughts on the matter.
Diana SchneidmanNovember 9,2021 at 1:17PM UTC
I'd guess you could say that you own the rights and label it copyright 2021 with your name as you start the assignment and tell them you will sell them the rights for $100 if they want to use it (or key aspects of it) commercially. (I am not a lawyer.) If they are OK with that, then it's cool. If they are offended, you may as well leave right then.
Karen BurkeNovember 9,2021 at 1:28PM UTC
This is definitely more common, and it's not just in design. Most of the companies I have seen (in the software realm) let you know before you even apply, and they also pay you.
You own it, it's your IP. Talk to their HR and see what their expectations are. If it sounds questionable, don't do it. Set your terms if it's unpaid, like what you will and won't do.
Alee RussellNovember 9,2021 at 1:33PM UTC
Are you applying for a UX or product design position? If so, this is fairly standard these days.
Most companies are considerate enough to give you a prompt not associated with their Company’s subject matter. I have refused to complete exercises that are for their company specifically, citing that it looks like they’re trying to get me to work for free. I wouldn’t want to work for a company that tries to take advantage of people like that.
KristenNovember 9,2021 at 2:01PM UTC
This has become a very common request during the interview process the past 5+ years so not sketchy. There's some good advice here from others though about marking the work product as your own intellectual property. Good luck!
AnonymousNovember 9,2021 at 2:01PM UTC
I work in this space, lead teams and have hired talent. Some of the most celebrated companies in the world do this. Google it. ;)
I have created simple exercises inside of a commitment to finding a mutually beneficial fit. The exercise helps because A) people sometimes lie about their skills, B) I want to see if you have a personality that can handle uncertainty. Trust me, if you don’t want the uncertainty of the exercise, you won’t do well in the environment. and C) I can see how you respond to questions and feedback. Do you get defensive? If so, it’s not a good fit for either of us.
When I have designed these exercises it’s not to have someone do free work. But I understand this concern of talent and specifically choose something that is clearly not work related.
Additionally, I do it as a live exercise on the call within our 30 min convo. I don’t send the exercise in advance. I work it into conversation.
If you were going to do C how might you approach it?
Please consider that a well designed exercise can help you determine fit, too. You can use this as an oppty to ask questions about the company processes & tools too.
AnonymousNovember 9,2021 at 2:13PM UTC
They may be more interested in confirming that you know how to use a particular program, than in the design. My husband is an architect and there have been discussions about doing this for new hires. I’m some ways, there is a preference for zoom interviews because it is easier for a candidate to share their screen and do a quick demonstration. This may becoming more common in interviews.
Aya IbarraNovember 9,2021 at 2:23PM UTC
I have gone through more exercise-based interviews as a candidate as well as a hiring manager. I’m a big fan of this because these exercises and performance feedback rubric helps combat the inherent biases that are embedded in traditional interview scenarios that ask someone to check for “fit” or “experience”. Data has shown that your ability to answer those questions well aren’t correlated well to actual performance.
So I’m a big fan!
AnonymousNovember 9,2021 at 2:56PM UTC
I’d be curious to see the data that you are referencing as technical skills are very different from behavioral and cultural.
Paula Manczuk-HannayNovember 9,2021 at 2:25PM UTC
I’m a professional fundraiser and have been asked to draft and a plan for an event during interviews. From my perspective, conducting the exercise during the interview is an excellent way to highlight skills and see if there is a fit.
I am not a fan of being asked to spend hours of my time preparing a specific presentation in advance of an interview. It feels disingenuous and the one time I did it, it felt like it was taking place of having a conversation, almost as if the interviewers didn’t understand the job (which happens frequently in my field). Since that one time, when I have been asked to do that, I have declined and moved on.
My perspective is, if it’s part of the interview, I would do it.
Lynda BoothNovember 9,2021 at 3:28PM UTC
This is a normal part of the interview process. Design candidates are being asked to show their skills by showing a solution to a pain point.
Karen GongawareNovember 9,2021 at 4:03PM UTC
No. It would be like an agency giving me a psychological profile and diagnosis (names changed of course HIPAA) and asking me to create either a treatment plan or a behavioral plan. That is my time and effort and knowledge. You don't get it for free. Now if they want to pay me for my time I will cheerfully give a bare bones plan showing I know what I am doing. Otherwise, no. Not for free. It's your call, go with what you believe.
AnonymousNovember 10,2021 at 1:11PM UTC
Do you work in this industry and have personal experience with this scenario or are you speculating how you would respond if you worked in the industry provided by the poster?
Wendy Kipfmiller-O'BrienNovember 9,2021 at 4:30PM UTC
I had an exercise like this on the second interview for my last job. It was more of a test to see if you could problem solve the creative brief (specs, instructions) from the account manager. It's not common, but I think in my case it sealed the deal as I was used to designing from written instructions. I wasn't worried whether they would use my design, however.
AnonymousNovember 9,2021 at 4:44PM UTC
If it's a live demonstration and you're sharing your screen it shouldn't be that much of a concern. However, if they want to record the demonstration then perhaps yes, they can use your solution.
AnonymousNovember 9,2021 at 4:51PM UTC
I would continue to say no thank you especially in a first round when you have a portfolio. It isn’t ethical and it borders on abusive. You probably do not work for anyone who does such a thing without a second thought.
AnonymousNovember 9,2021 at 7:10PM UTC
It’s fine to take that stance but keep in mind that you would be missing out on Google, Airbnb and other world class firms that use these exercises as part of hiring standard.
JesNovember 10,2021 at 5:21PM UTC
right. I am not in this field at all and I absolutely see the issues with this tactic and the likelihood our ideas can be used. That said, personally, my unemp is coming to and end soon, I have nothing coming in and the 'don't do it!' attitude is not realistic for some of us.
Janet ParkhurstNovember 10,2021 at 2:22AM UTC
I so agree. This has happened to me many times over and I no longer fall for it. It's just professionally insulting, as I said above, unless you're a beginner just starting out. And the way I see it? If a company doubts your experience, talent and credentials at the onset, pass. They'll continue to doubt you.
GirlBossanova934974November 9,2021 at 5:58PM UTC
No problem doing this but you should be sure that a 30 minute time commitment is all that is required. Too many outfits say 30 minutes and then it turns into a lot more. Be sure you keep the follow-up questions VERY general. No secret sauce or trade secrets should be disclosed.
AnonymousNovember 9,2021 at 6:52PM UTC
I’ve sometimes given a practical test, but it’s only after the individual has cleared the initial interviewing and is a viable candidate. We’ll give them a very specific exercise that should take no longer than XX minutes. For example, if a candidate says they’re accomplished at setting up print ready graphics for large format printing, I’ll give them an example for them to work up based on a past job order. I also pay them $100 for anything up to an hour. It’s perhaps not optimal, but it’s the only way we can find out if the individual really knows what they say they know.
BonnieNovember 9,2021 at 6:59PM UTC
As a creative director who hires designers and copywriters, I have sometimes hired someone based on their book only to later wonder whether it was truly their work. I don't think this is malicious, I think someone at this company may have been burned in the past and is covering their bases.
AnonymousNovember 10,2021 at 7:07PM UTC
I’ve been a creative director and honestly, I’d never ask someone to work for free—I think it’s demeaning. I do agree with you that there are people floating around whose actual talent and skills are a long step below what’s in their books. My own area is pretty specialized, so it’s a little easier to week out the imposters.
Juli RooksNovember 10,2021 at 12:27AM UTC
I have heard both positive and negative experiences. I would complete the assignment with enough detail to demonstrate my ability. I would leave some details out to discourage them from using my work without hiring me.
Janet ParkhurstNovember 10,2021 at 2:18AM UTC
I don't know about the legal aspects, but as a senior copywriter with over 30 years, I have been appalled at being asked to do a "copy test." I've walked out, hung up the phone, ended the email threads...you get the picture. If you were a junior designer or one with very little experience, that might be an okay thing. But with ten years in, tell them that's what your online portfolio or website is for and then walk away. Don't waste your time or efforts on these Bozos. You don't have to work for free in order to "prove yourself." Eff 'em.
AnonymousNovember 10,2021 at 1:32PM UTC
100% with you. I'm also a writer and have been on staff and freelance. If you have a body of work to show, they should be able to tell if what you do suits them from a portfolio review. Working for free is an invitation to be taken advantage of. I am not an attorney, but I believe that once you take on an assignment, the work is their property--whether they pay you or not--unless otherwise specified in your agreement with them.
Hard no.
Janet AmaroNovember 10,2021 at 2:22AM UTC
A live design exercise is common in my industry of software user experience. The goal of the exercise is not to get free work but to demonstrate the candidate's process of solving a problem given ambiguous and/or incomplete information. The hiring panel is evaluating is the candidate's ability/willingness to ask clarifying questions, comfort levels around ideating with limited information and iterating based on feedback solicited from the panel. At a senior level especially, we are sifting for candidates who are able to design collaboratively and without having every last detail spelled out for them before they can begin. This is because in the actual work environment the designer will be a key member of the development team, inventing alongside engineering and product management as opposed to being in a service desk role executing mockups that someone else thought through.
KhadijahHaleemahNovember 10,2021 at 7:09AM UTC
I've had this happen to me. But, it was so generic that I don't know how they could have used it. It was something that took about 15 minutes, just to show them that I knew my way around.
Joycelyn M. SiameNovember 10,2021 at 1:52PM UTC
What I would personally do is watermark and date my work. Even write a stipulation stating "This is the work of Anonymous. Any likeness or distribution of this work will be subject to legal action".
The design is solely yours. Your are not contracted/hired by them, so they can not legally claim it as there's. You did not sign anything stating that whatever you design for them is their property.
But PLEASE protect your work... There are vultures out there and I don't trust employers that do this. I can understand why they may want you to, but who is to say they won't hire you, but keep a copy of your designs.
AnonymousNovember 10,2021 at 5:31PM UTC
I was asked to do it, and I refused the interview. I have also been asked to put together dashboards and build databases after the prescreen...hard pass in both situations. The thing is, even if you add a watermark and they do not keep the actual product, they now have the roadmap...free of charge.
AnonymousNovember 11,2021 at 4:09PM UTC
One job I applied to asked for a redesign of their log-in pages before even the 1st interview. I felt like a chump after I did it, because obviously a rejection - without feedback - shortly followed. I checked in the next month on their linkedin. I don't think they hired anybody. They just got a ton of free ideas and implemented one of them.
Whiteboarding challenges, I've heard, are common. If the topic is completely unrelated to their business, then they're genuinely interested in seeing your design process. Doing a heuristic evaluation is not cheap, so if you ever suspect they're fishing for free labour (it's something they could implement in the next week with or without you), you're probably right.
If I could go back all those months I would have told them no, and focused on something for my benefit in the job hunt.
Stephanie M WerthmanNovember 11,2021 at 10:35PM UTC
It really depends. If you are in user experience, it's very common to do this kind of exercise. If you work in consulting (as I used to) the exercise can be longer. Mine was 90 minutes but getting hired there took me from an entry level designer to a place where we were absolutely considered experts by our clients (mostly Fortune 500 corporations). And I echo that these exercises help to show how well you work in teams as well as how well you can think on your feet. Part of my job is being able to workshop with very senior executives and I get paid accordingly. If that's not you and you are not working with either a) cross functional teams were collaboration is standard or b) in management consulting, it could be an odd request. When I worked in art direction and advertising, a lower level designer would have never been asked to do this.
Rebecca Gale-GonzalezNovember 12,2021 at 5:48PM UTC
Show me how you'd design a flyer for us? Weird...so they want to see you design something before their eyes. Its a creative process, you research, sketch, and then pick your three best solutions and develop those to present to a client. None of that happens in a short interview cycle. So you can show them by outlining your process, showing the rough sketches and even talking about the pros and cons of the designs. But a finished product is just where you draw the line, because you don't work for free. You of course pick up everything, don't allow photos. Be sure you are interviewing with legit companies with a track record.
AnonymousNovember 15,2021 at 9:29PM UTC
I am not in the design field but I have heard of this new practice of checking candidates skills..There are people who actually lie about what they actually know( we had this happen in my old Dept) so.i guess this is a way to prevent that .