I’ve probably put 60 hours into them over the last 3-4mo. I used to turn them down and after this saga of my life will probably go back to that. They’re BS. I think there’s ways to maybe do them well but they almost never are.

I haven't heard a great argument for why they're better than a portfolio review, tbh.. In this case the main reason seemed to be an equal playing field. But then it isn't *exactly* equal because it was supposed to be an app critique using an app of that person's choosing (c)

It is something that started with tech roles and made its way into design. No one asks an architect, or a CEO to do a test. It’s non sense. A proper interview with the right questions and a bit of intuition is enough. And if not, that’s what probation periods are for.

I've seen other roles have to do various types of tests but I don't think *anyone* should have to do them. There's always the possibility of that company just farming for free work 🤷🏻‍♀️

There was a website by the agency Porto Rocha asking people to sign a manifesto against free pitches. Someone should start something similar against take home exercises.

I feel like there was something like that at some point.. But I could be making that up lol In lieu of that, I just try to leave these hiring companies with some food for thought.. Hopefully make things a little better off for whoever comes next in the pipeline

That's one reason (of many) that I don't do them, tbh.. They aren't exactly designed to set-up applicants for success. Just adds a lot of unnecessary noise to the process, especially when it's a non-designer doing the evaluation. I'm curious about this test now 👀

Yeah, this made me realize that doing a design test to appease non-designers is 99.9% going to be a waste of time just based on that.. (c)

It sounds like this test didn't match what they were really looking for, which is a huge problem with most tests I've seen.. It may not be intentional but regardless, it's shows a lack of understanding of how to properly vet designers. And that's a huge red flag in itself

Yeah, I know I would've excelled in the role, which is why I was so excited for it. But, oh well.

I'm sorry.. I've been there. I think companies underestimate peoples' abilities to do their jobs, which is annoying.. Like, so much energy is spent on not hiring the "wrong" person that it's just assumed that.. Everyone sucks? It's weird lol

thanks for putting in the work! amazed this still happens, been telling people off for years. replace take-homes with live problem solving sessions or design critiques.

Interview processes as a whole need a revamp.. Maybe that will be my next Medium article lol

well I'm about to throw myself into several over the next few weeks so lmk if you need research candidates lol

You got this ⚡️

Go Jamie! It’s really awesome for you to speak up and protect your boundaries. I’m still starting out as a designer and I really want to say no to a take home! I have fell into that trap once and it sucked!

When I was earlier in my career I was more open to them but I've had plenty of bad experiences since.. And it's not like I've gotten any of my jobs with one lol

I don't think you'll ever regret advocating for yourself.. You have to listen to your gut. At the very least, there are ways to make a design test/interview process more equitable instead of heavily favoring the employer..

Really dislike how this is becoming a standard everywhere. At this point in life I wouldn’t even know how to find the time for a take home assignment.

If I was already employed I would *definitely* not want to deal with one

For real! Time is valuable!

Great job on standing up for your boundaries in front of recruiters. It takes a lot of strength.

Honestly I'm learning from past mistakes when I did a design test thinking "this will be the one" and then.. it isn't lol

This is powerful! I recently bombed a take home test. Which in hindsight I see a lot of red flags. No clear context or background or limitations. Plus directly related to what the role would be working on. Going to be very vary about these moving forward

It's tough because even if you "pass", it's still not a guarantee that you'll get a job in the end.. Ideally you'd get something out of it (compensation, feedback, etc)

Honestly this recruiter was very nice but if/when I deal with someone not-so-nice about design tests I'll just link them to this thread as proof no one likes them lol

✊

You go girl!