What would you do if you are asked by the employer for an "audition work" (basically a work for free) when applying for a job?
Would you do it and consider it reasonable?
If yes, how much time and effort shoud you spend on this "short task"?
What if you are asked to complete it in, for example, no more than 2 hours, but there are other candidates actually spend the whole day on it therefore hand in a more refined work?
Will there be any copyright concerns?
questions for #artworker #creative worker #graphic designer #illustrator and relevant professions
Replies12
- I think the best way I've seen it done is in interview! It's usually an imaginary task (so you're not being conned into doing client work) and they ask you how you would approach it. You usually have 10-20 minutes to create a sketch or outline an idea.Sometimes, you do have to pitch! I don't always agree with it, but if that's your dream role, then it can always be worth a try. x
- Hi Yu-Ching, always a fascinating and divisive question, and there’s no one answer, but I am generally in favour of a test brief or task.When I was employing at different agencies I would sometimes offer good prospective candidates a paid placement - at their current salary - for a couple of weeks, so both parties could ‘try before the buy’. it’s a great test of desire and commitment, it’s real work, you’ll find out what your colleagues will be like to work with and it avoids the whole test brief scenario.It’s not always possible, so a test is a good idea - don’t think of it as one-way-traffic: you’re finding out what they’ll be lack as bosses and colleagues, how they brief and review work, and how they respond to what you produce. And if it’s at all negative, say thanks but no thanks.If you really want the job, go all out to impress, but make absolutely certain of what the expectations are - deliver well, don’t over-deliver.And do make sure it’s a fake or preferably old and tested brief, not a current one - avoid the phishing others have mentioned.Finally, only do it if you’re happy to - if the people asking you are genuine and really want to find out how well you’ll work together, go for it.Hope that helps and best of luck should you go ahead with it!
- @Tamryn Kerr Hi thanks so much for the reply and suggestion! I agree it doesn't seem like a good sign as they actually asked me to do this "short task" in the first run of the application, after I've already sent over my portfolio, showreel, website link and everything.
- Hi Yu-Ching, I really wouldn't do any work for free. They should be hiring you from the work that you showcase in your portfolio so if they are asking you to do any unpaid work that's a big red flag for me. The more people who say no to these requests the less they'll ask for it. Hope this helps, Tamryn x
- I wouldn’t do it. People have mixed feelings about this - check out the comments here:https://twitter.com/vikkirosswrites/status/1199268541570174977?s=21
- Hey @Yu-Ching Chiu I've created a video here that you can watch discussing design tasks at interview stage, hope it helps :)https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=OoIEjOvkYuk&t=8s
- Hey @Yu-Ching Chiu great question! Check out this discussion about working for free & read our mentors' top tips https://the-dots.com/asks/working-for-free-should-you-shouldn-t-you-11294
- Hi Yu - another danger to be wary of is that some unscrupulous people are phishing for ideas - so they will ask several people to submit concepts with no intention of employing anyone but to get some free inspiration - hopefully not in your case, and it can depend on the work required e.g. a logo idea or packaging concept is more risky than submitting an idea for an illustrated children's book. Personally I have only submitted paid ideas but when you are early on in your career it is less cut and dry.
- Hi Yu, some companies do that especially if you are junior/mid-weight. I think if it's for a full-time position and you really want the job you can do that. But it shouldn't be an unrisonable request that will take you a very long time to complete.
- @Rave Kreativ thanks so much for the advice! Yes I did already send over my portfolio and relevant information to show them what I do and am capable of. They actually ask for an audition work at the first round of the application…
- When applying for a job, I would direct any employer to my online portfolio. Whether that's a dedicated website, Instragram or Facebook and let them see what you are capable of. I would not take on any free work while applying for a job. If you get a call to say you are getting an interview and you will be asked to produce some work as part of the interview, that's a different story altogether. Interview first, then work not the other way round.
- I don’t think I’d do it unless it was a reputable company who are going through interview stages and who clearly state this is not work for free as they won’t use the work for anything other than the interview process. Instead I would direct them towards my portfolio so they can see samples of my work which should show them what I can do.
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