How to know if I’m being conned when doing test basis work?
I’m a graphic artist/cad artist in apparel. Back in the job market after being laid off 2 months ago. I had an interview with a company and they saw my portfolio, we talked my career experience. Didn’t hear from them for a week. The owner contacted me and said he wants to give me a test project to do at home to see if I can do their projects. I said ok. Thinking it would be one assignment. Guy didn’t send the work to me until the evening and said let’s see how fast you can do the work and have it by morning. It was 9 separate art projects which I pulled an all nighter. I sent him the digital cads early the next day ...I still have copies.. and I have not heard one word back. Not a yay or zany. It’s been a full business day. How would a graphic artist know if a company is legit when they say they want to test your ability and speed? Because this is dishonest way to get free work using unsuspecting artists eager to get work.
Do not do anything for free
DaLove Lee. If this is what they did, that's terrible. Robert Ewing gave some good advice.
Next time, check them out first & as Robert says, send along an invoice.
Good luck to you, Sir.
My Son faced a similar situation. As a professional in his field, his normal charge for services is $65 per hour. He provided the completion if one element as a sample of his work, and submitted it along with an invoice of charges for the remaining elements if they desired them. Their choice was simple. Hired him based on his sample; Pay him for the complete project; or accept the one sample as a tax- write off gift. My Son got a tax write-off, in this case. worth $195. He lost nothing.
Dalove, that is a tough situation. Just try and see if you can somehow get compensated for your work. Good luck!
@Dalove Lee This is a tough situation to be in for sure.
It's not uncommon to have test projects or other exercises as part of an interview process, but I agree that 9 separate projects with a due date of the following morning is extreme. A lot of times hiring managers may not be expecting you to complete the full task, but more interested to see how you prioritize and manage the time, but if you completed all 9 you are clearly showing the company how committed and interested you are in their opportunity.
That being said, I agree that it's concerning that you did all that work and never heard back from the company, I would definitely recommend following up with them right away and ask for an update...you invested a lot of your own time and they owe you at the very least some feedback.
One suggestion I think would be helpful is to do a little research on the company, see if any other artists have had similar experiences...there may be some info here on Jobcase but there are also other sites that may shed light on whether this is a one-off situation or if this company has a track record of dishonest interview practices.
Sounds like a scam to me. Why would you ever agree to do 9 projects in one night anyway? Don't act out of desperation. You need to do background checks on these companies first.