Why take a test when you have a portfolio?

Contents:

Question from a reader:

Employers often require large test assignments to be completed without payment. For example, this could be creating a banner for social media, developing an advertisement for a 6x9 meter billboard, or designing a website's homepage. At the same time, a designer's style and professional skills can be effectively assessed through their portfolio.

Test assignments are an important part of the hiring process, especially in IT and design. They allow employers to evaluate a candidate's skills and approach to problem-solving. However, it's important to keep in mind that the length and content of the test assignment should be reasonable and reflect the actual requirements of the job.

The optimal length of a test assignment is one that allows you to demonstrate your skills without requiring a significant time investment. It is recommended that the assignment take no more than a few hours. This will avoid wasting excessive time on work that may not produce results.

To protect your interests and your work, it is important to clarify the terms of the test assignment in advance. It is important to clarify whether the work will be used by the employer and what rights the candidate retains to the results. It's also worth considering a confidentiality agreement if the assignment involves developing unique ideas or solutions.

Ultimately, quizzes can be a useful tool for showcasing your skills, but it's important to approach them wisely and with a clear understanding of your rights.

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This question was answered by Veronika Oktyabr, an expert in her field. Her opinion and professional experience help to deeper understand the topic under consideration. Veronika shares her knowledge, which allows readers to receive valuable information and recommendations.

Art director of the maryco studio with six years of experience as a graphic designer. She currently leads a team of nine designers, coordinating projects across identity development, packaging design, website creation, advertising creatives, and social media content. While searching for the perfect solution for the studio and designers, she revised the test brief eight times, striving to achieve the best possible result.

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The maryco studio is an example of an ideal employer. We also actively participate in test assignments when we begin providing design support services. This allows us to better understand our clients' needs and adapt to their requirements. Our team values ​​quality and professionalism, which makes us a reliable partner in the design industry.

Our test assignment includes three parts, each covering different areas. We carefully developed it and are confident that we have achieved the optimal version.

• We evaluate the portfolio.
• We observe how the person communicates via chat and email, how they present themselves on Zoom.
• We assign the test assignment.

The portfolio provides valuable information about the candidate, but the test assignment provides an opportunity to assess their real level of skills. It demonstrates how a person copes with working with text, photographs, and meeting technical requirements. Unfortunately, a portfolio does not always reflect these aspects. We've encountered situations where highly rated designers on platforms like Behance have struggled with the types of work we handle on a regular basis.

During testing, we assess the candidate's level of software proficiency and basic knowledge. An important part of the process is asking them to describe their work methods and reference search. This helps us understand how the candidate thinks and what sources they rely on. Sometimes, among the provided references, we encounter mockups that significantly surpass the candidate's final solution.

Copyright is an important aspect that should not be ignored. In most cases, mockups obtained from test sources cannot be used without revision. This is because they do not always meet the requirements and standards necessary for full use. The lack of source files complicates the process of making changes and adapting mockups to specific needs. Therefore, it is important to keep in mind that high-quality work with graphic elements requires original content and the right to use it.

Recently, we received work from a designer with a watermark on the mockups, and this approach left us perplexed and disappointed. There was an immediate sense of distrust, and the low resolution of the layout made it difficult to adequately assess its quality. As a result, we decided not to continue working with this candidate, as our views did not align.

If you are concerned about your work being used without permission, we recommend submitting it as a PDF presentation. Save the file in high quality to ensure all details are accurately displayed and to allow your work to be fully assessed.

Research the company's website and social media to understand its operations and culture. Assess how interested you are in solving its day-to-day problems. It would be helpful if you could communicate with the potential employer before completing the test task to clarify details and expectations. This will help you better prepare and demonstrate your skills.

Estimate the scope of the work before making a decision. If the task will take you two to three hours, and you won't be upset if you refuse, you can take the test task. Otherwise, it is better to decline. This will save time for both you and the employer. Also, keep in mind that if you're offered a large assignment, such as designing a website page, it could mean a heavy workload.

Try to exceed the client's expectations by providing more than requested. For example, in addition to the main concept, share your thought process and offer alternative solutions. When submitting a layout, include a high-quality mockup image to visually highlight your idea. This will not only demonstrate your creativity but also increase the chances of your work being perceived positively.

Treat the test assignment as a real work task. If you have questions or anything seems unclear, be sure to clarify it with the employer. Don't hesitate to request necessary materials, such as a brand book or specific fonts, if you need them to complete the assignment. This will help you create a high-quality product that meets the client's expectations.

Do not add watermarks to created materials. Responsible companies will not use your work without your permission, and unscrupulous clients will become obvious upon closer examination.

Test tasks can be useful if you are considering further cooperation with an employer. However, keep in mind that such tasks are most likely performed by the company regularly. This can give you an idea of ​​​​the employer's requirements and expectations, as well as the nature of the work you will be performing.

If you have questions for design experts, feel free to email them to design.media@skillbox.by or through our social media. We are happy to help you get answers to your questions and share knowledge in various design areas.

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Test tasks and interaction with the client play a key role in the project process. They help evaluate the performer's level of qualifications and their approach to problem solving. When working with a client, it's important to clearly understand requirements and expectations to avoid misunderstandings and improve the quality of the final result. A well-written test assignment can demonstrate the performer's skills, attention to detail, and ability to creatively solve problems. Effective interaction with the client includes regular communication and feedback, which facilitates a better understanding of the tasks and their successful completion. It is important not only to provide a high-quality result, but also to establish a trusting relationship with the client, which can subsequently lead to long-term cooperation.

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