I had a really weird interview for Creative Director today.

It’s a small startup. HR interviewed me and asked all the hard hitting questions (how do you get design inspiration, how do you deal with design roadblocks, what sets you apart for this role?) which I thought was odd for a screening interview.

They made some affirmative noises then said the next step would be a design test (one pager) which I would present to a panel of interviewers including the CMO.
Anyone else think this is odd?

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Doing a “test” is a very startup thing and I would advise not to do this. Find out if it’s how you present then ask if you can present previous thinking.

likesmarthelpful

@SGD always follow your gut instinct, i promise you will find someplace deserving of your time, talent, and brilliance very soon. ❤️

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It’s a startup, there are no rules when hiring. Can confirm I’ve been asked to do tests before as a CD that were more extensive than a one pager, and it’s certainly more common brand side. Those are also not out of the blue questions in a phone screening — that just means they’re important to the hiring manager and they’re trying to weed out the candidates who don’t align. That being said, if your gut is telling you to run, run free my friend!

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as a creative director: no.

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If you have time and it is a good opportunity, say ok to the test and charge your hourly rate.

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Lee Clow had to present a whole Campaign to get steve jobs business. You’ll be fine.

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Spec work should be paid, any sort of “test” to me is usually a red flag 🚩

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Thanks all for the advice. I emailed the company (Relay Network) a week later, after getting a follow up email from them demanding the spec work, telling them their request was out of the ordinary for this position and that I would complete spec work for them for $85/hr.

They replied back saying thanks for my offer and they would pass as they had selected a final candidate.

IF that is true I think it makes them look worse that they were still demanding free work when they had a finalist. Really skeevy. Def not a culture I want to be a part of.

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Im glad you stuck to your guns, a better job awaits you in the new year 🍾

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Normal BS.

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