Doing my part / Attempting to do my part

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.

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

An exercise should be: - paid - includes research - includes existing design material your work integrates with - contextual to specific questions that an interviewer needs to evaluate that’s unique to their needs - internal documentation for criteria for reviewing

I agree, especially with tailoring the test/sharing evaluation criteria.. But apparently that's asking too much lol You would think for there to be a test at all, there must be a grading system in place.. I'm guessing most of the time that's not actually true, though lol (c)

But lbr, these tests are usually early in the process before there's even a chance to talk to anyone.. It seems to be a tool to eliminate as many people as possible more than anything else. It doesn't find the "best" person for the job

Oh interesting. I’ve only had them late in the process. Even now, as much as I need a job I won’t do one at the *start*. No way

Having them before a portfolio review just feels wrong.. Like, at least judge me on my actual work before pressuring me to do *more* work lol Also, let me at least talk to the hiring manager/another designer to better understand how much I want this job.. 🧐

Given the criteria they were looking for, it just didn't make sense anyway. I included that example of user research as the most obvious one lol Portfolio reviews can be tedious, overwhelming, a lot of effort to prepare.. But they are better than design tests in every way