When to Ask a Designer Job Candidate for a Design Test: Should It Be Paid?
Hey LinkedIn fam! Let's talk about hiring designers, shall we? ????
Icreatives started with one focus only: finding the best creative talents around the Globe. And we are proud to say that we still do that, even after 37 years in the market.?
On this journey we have worked with more than 4,000 companies, mainly in the US, and one of the questions that we get the most from our clients is: should I pay for a design test? Well… that's not so simple.?
That's the topics that we bring for our clients:
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So, striking a balance is crucial! Consider compensating candidates for their effort, whether it's through a paid test or offering a small stipend. It's a win-win for everyone!?
?? Now, I'd love to hear from you! Have you ever been asked to do a design test during a job application? Was it paid or unpaid? Share your experiences and thoughts in the comments below! Let's keep the conversation going! ????
?? here's a full article that our account managers have made with thousands of opinions: https://www.icreatives.com/iblog/when-to-have-design-tests/
Graphic Designer/ Architectural Designer / Brand Designer
5 个月I strongly advise against providing raw files or high-resolution work to employers as part of any design test. Based on my own experiences, this practice raises concerns, and I would caution any designer from agreeing to such requests. I am aware of several companies engaging in this approach, not just with myself but with other designers as well. Employers should be able to assess a designer’s capabilities through their portfolio alone. If that does not suffice, it may be more appropriate to consider other candidates rather than demanding test work.
Marketing Director
1 年yes!
Environmental Designer at Hartmann Studios
1 年The only "design test" I've ever participated in were freelance jobs that lead to being hired. If not paid, it sounds too much like the "work for free and we'll let you use your work as a portfolio piece" that companies used to try to take advantage of graphic designers with.
Award-winning copywriting to tell your brand story while boosting engagement and conversions. I'm your second brain.
1 年Should you ask a dentist for a sample crown? Ask a baker for a sample wedding cake? Ask an Uber driver for a sample ride? A designer should be paid for a design test.
Graphic Designer
1 年I have been searching for a job for a little over 4 months now. I have 3 years of experience and I've been asked for design tests 3 times. The first time I was asked to do a week's worth of work for an entire marketing team within a weekend without the promise of an interview. I immediately no longer wanted the job. The second time I was asked to make 3 graphics before the first interview. This made me skeptical and worried about the position, so I asked for more information. The third time I was asked at the end of my first interview to make 1 graphic to test skills known to me and brand compatibility. I was hopeful and excited to tackle this small project. How, when, and why I am given a design test from a prospective employer strongly colors my impression of them. As long as I feel the test is reasonable, and I am being respected and not taken advantage of, I don’t feel the need to be paid for an opportunity to stand out.