Are "tests" the new "projects"?

INTERVIEWS
1

Hey! I know it’s been a while but I wanted to get some advice for a friend.

Has anyone else notice that recruiters stopped using the word “project” and have been using the word “test” instead?

I have friend who has been experiencing a ton of frustration lately and I don’t know what to tell her. Her portfolio is strong and salary demands are reasonable. Every design position she’s applied for were quick to respond, do a very general screener interview, and immediately ask her to complete a test. Some of these tests were specific to a position like “show us how you’d tech pack this style”, “design 3-5 bottoms” or “design a selection of dresses based on this theme”. However majority of the tests (even for an associate designer) were like “Create a Fall 2027 collection. Must include thorough market research, a color palette, and at least 5 looks with 2-3 components per look”. And within a week after submitting her ‘test’, coincidentally the recruiter found someone more qualified or the are no longer hiring for that position. Consistently the jobs have been reposted within the week if not month. It’s disheartening and creating a ton of burn out.

Don’t get me wrong. Tests are good when tests actually determine if a candidate has the knowledge to do the job. I have prepared actual questions and “what if” scenarios when hiring a tech designer or product developer which helps me to determine their skill level.

Is the market just that oversaturated with talent and jobs are getting snatched up that quickly, or are companies still playing those same tricks in search of free labor?

2

The cost to onboard a new employee is roughly 30% of their first year’s salary. If that company is using a recruitment agency, add another 20%-30% of the first year’s salary in onboarding expense.

The cost to replace an entry-level worker is 30% to 50% of their first year’s salary. The replacement percentage goes up significantly with more experienced professionals and workers with niche talent (almost all jobs in fashion); up to 150%!

Considering the cost involved, asking a potential employee is a very valid thing for an employer to do. That being said, there are definitely some garmentos who take advantage and try to get some free consulting.

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3

Sounds like the same old tricks to get “free” work. Tests, projects- whatever you want to call them- if you email in a project to a company, sadly they can take advantage and use it as they like, and the designer has very little recourse.
Of course projects/tests can be very useful in determining someone’s skill and aesthetic level. As a job searcher, ask to present your project via zoom. That way you can walk them through your work and thinking process, and you’re not just handing them a free packet of work.

4

Oooh-- I like your advice about asking to zoom and present the test/ project rather than just submitting it to the recruiter. I’ll pass that along to my friend. Thank you. TBH she’s done like 5 or 6 “tests” in the last 2 months and I told her to start publishing the work to her own online portfolio so she can at least use it going forward in the next interview.

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