Hello Everyone,
I was browsing LinkedIn earlier today while doing household chores. LinkedIn has started to do polls regarding workplace practices, and I’m happy that some of these polls are being created because it is bringing a lot of things to light, especially in creative fields.
Creative Circle made a post on LinkedIn with the following:
‘Sometimes professional creatives are asked to perform assessments, complete assignments, or create deliverables during the interview process.
How do you feel about this practice?
Is it acceptable or is it a scam? We'll meet you in the comments!’
Below is the poll:
Has a potential employer ever asked you to perform an assessment, test, or create deliverables during the interview process?
The author can see how you vote. Learn more
Yes 87%
No 13%
This question made me think of a conversation I had with a friend. This friend and I are in the same industry, and we are both fashion professors and freelancers. We were discussing our experiences with interview processes in the fashion industry, and I brought up creating projects during some of my past interviews. My friend looked at me and said, “Ummmm……a project?!” I explained that every fashion position I interviewed for, I had a project to complete, whether it was a fashion flat or a capsule collection. I also explained it’s been like that since I’ve been in Texas. My friend had this confused look on her face like
She then said, “Ummmm……..Ashley…….Uhhhhh…….I’ve been in the fashion industry for a long time, and I’ve NEVER had to do a project for any company during the interview process! If anyone asked me to do that, I would’ve left the interview.” I was dumbfounded! I thought this process was common in the fashion industry. She was like, “No! This is not common at all!” When I saw this post on LinkedIn and the comments on the thread, it showed me that it was definitely not common. From what everyone on the thread stated, companies who had interviewees to do projects didn’t offer them the position, but used their ideas within the company.
Another workplace practice that no one wants to talk about? Companies offering freelance jobs that are not really freelance jobs.
Example of someone working freelance
The true definition of freelance is to work with different companies according to your own schedule! Remote work on your own terms! If you want to work while on vacation, you can do that. If you want to work at home, you can do that. Work while at a coffee shop? You can do that! It’s freelance! I’ve seen companies offer freelance positions, but you have to work on-site (go to the office and work). So, here is why this is a problem. This is not really freelance. This is a way for companies to hire you to work full-time without offering any benefits (no insurance, no 401 K, no retirement, no nothing).
Of course, no one thinks of these things when looking for work (especially if you’re unemployed), but these things shouldn't happen. I’m sharing this because these things really happen in creative fields. I don’t understand why people feel creatives love to create for free and we’re supposed to be okay with it. So, here are some suggestions:
If a company asks for you to do a project during a job interview, if you are not hired, ask them to pay you a certain amount for the work you did on the project. Your work is not free, and your time is valuable.
If a position is supposed to be freelance, negotiate with them to do the work off-site. Besides, freelance does not mean to come on-site and work full-time hours with no benefits.
Explain that even though you love what you do, your work and expertise are not free (I feel this should be another post)
I hope this helps someone.
Until Next Time!