The Skillbox.by editorial team thanks the Skillbox CIS marketing team and frontend developer Vladislav Kovalenko for their assistance in preparing this material.
The Skillbox.by editorial team thanks the Skillbox CIS marketing team and frontend developer Vladislav Kovalenko for their assistance in preparing this material.
A test assignment is a test of a candidate's skills. The employer asks the applicant to complete a task related to the functionality of the desired position. For example, if a company is looking for a copywriter, they will be asked to write a text to meet the brand's objectives.
💡 A copywriteris a specialist who writes texts to solve a business's marketing problems.
In theory, it sounds good. The applicant will learn what tasks they will have to work with. And the employer will see the specialist's skills.
But in practice, things are different. Often, employers give voluminous test assignments that take several days - and all this without payment. Candidates are not willing to waste time when there is a chance of being rejected. After three days of free work, this is really unpleasant.
The question is what to do with free tests. The Skillbox.by editorial team asked marketers, designers, and developers for their opinions.
Marketers
Marketers receive different test assignments. It all depends on the direction. For example, a copywriter is asked to write a text for a company that a specialist is applying to. And an SMM manager is asked to write a content plan for a week or analyze the target audience.
Victoria Kolesneva
Copywriter
I am for testing for everyone, not just for copywriters. The only question is its scope and conditions—whether the task is paid or unpaid.
If it's an unpaid test, it shouldn't take more than 30-60 minutes to complete. For a copywriter, that's up to two thousand characters. In that time, you could write a short story or an Instagram post.
When an employer pays for a test, they can offer any task. For example, a long article that would take a day. But it is important to discuss the terms.
✅ Criteria and evaluations:Who will evaluate the text and how long will it take to approve it;
✅ Use of text:Can I use the article if the company did not hire the candidate?
Copywriter
I am for a test for everyone, not just copywriters. The only question is its scope and conditions - paid or unpaid assignment.
If we're talking about an unpaid test, it shouldn't take more than 30-60 minutes to complete. For a copywriter, that's up to two thousand characters. In that time, you could write a short story or an Instagram post.
When an employer pays for a test, they can offer any task. For example, a long article that would take a day. But it is important to discuss the terms.
✅ Criteria and evaluations:Who will evaluate the text and how long will it take to approve it;
✅ Use of text:Can the article be used if the company does not hire the candidate?
Tatyana Yanskaya
SMM Manager
The test is useful for both the employer and the candidate. The task helps the employer evaluate the skills of SMM specialists in practice. And the candidate can get a feel for the company and its tasks.
These days, many people refuse to do the test or ask for money for it. This is normal, because specialists are deceived. For example, they use written ideas or simply do not respond after receiving the job.
I am for the test task, if it is adequate. Dear employers, if you give ten tasks from the start, don't be surprised that only one person responds.
SMM Manager
A test assignment is useful for both the employer and the candidate. The assignment helps the employer evaluate the skills of SMM specialists in practice. And the candidate can get a feel for the company and its objectives.
Nowadays, many refuse to do a test assignment or ask for money for its completion. This is normal, because specialists are deceived. For example, they use written ideas or simply do not respond after receiving the job.
I am for a test assignment, if it is adequate. Dear employers, if you give ten tasks from the start, don't be surprised that only one person responds.
Klimentiy Rogovtsov
Video maker
Tests are necessary. Tasks filter out irrelevant candidates. Employers need to test skills anyway. I believe that without a task, it will be impossible to evaluate the quality of filming and editing. Through the test, the candidate understands what they will encounter in their internship at the company.
A resume and portfolio don't always lead to an offer. There, you solved specific business problems. And every company has different problems.
I understand that many people are afraid to do test tasks. Wasting time and getting rejected is unpleasant. But I look at it from the other side, because this task can be added to your portfolio.
Video maker
Tests are necessary. Tasks filter out irrelevant candidates. The employer needs to check skills in any case. I believe that without a task it is impossible to evaluate the quality of filming and editing. The candidate himself understands through the test what he will encounter in practice at the company.
A resume and portfolio do not always lead to an offer. There you solved specific business problems. And all companies have different problems.
I understand that many are afraid to do test tasks. Wasting time and getting rejected is unpleasant. But I look at it from the other side, because this assignment can be added to my portfolio.
For Developers
A developer's test isn't the most common practice. A technical interview is more decisive. Everything depends on the level and profession. But if you're a beginner, a test assignment is in order.
Vladislav Kovalenko
Frontend Developer
The purpose of the test task is to show how the developer thinks, what methods he uses to complete the task. But I have had interviews with and without tests. Often, a one-on-one conversation determines the level better than a well-executed test.
Also, tests are usually unpaid. Although they can take up a whole working day.
Frontend developer
The purpose of the test task is to show how the developer thinks, what methods he uses to complete the task. But I have had interviews with and without tests. Often, a one-on-one conversation determines the level better than a well-executed test.
Also, tests are usually unpaid. Although they can take up a whole working day.
Designers
Experienced designers are not often given test tasks. But newcomers constantly need to prove their competence. We asked the leading designer at Skillbox CIS what experts think about this.
Yana Masyukovich
Graphic designer
I have mixed feelings about tests. On the one hand, a task shows a candidate's real skills. After all, you can write anything on a resume, but confirming your skills is a different matter.
I did tests if I saw that the task would take a little time. For example, one block of a page, not a whole page. Even with a small task, you can understand which direction the candidate is moving in. This makes it easier for the applicant - he understands what the tasks will be like at work and whether they are suitable for him.
On the other hand, attitudes toward test assignments have deteriorated due to "fraudulent companies" that use tests as real cases. And I understand this, because they are literally stealing candidates' work.
I believe everything should be discussed beforehand. For example, if the test assignment will be used in the future, the employer should warn about this.
Graphic designer
I have mixed feelings about tests. On the one hand, a task demonstrates a candidate's real skills. After all, you can write anything on a resume, but confirming your skills is a different matter.
I did tests if I saw that the task would take a little time. For example, one block of a page, and not a whole page. Even with a small task, you can understand in which direction the candidate is moving. This makes it easier for the applicant - he understands what the tasks will be like at work and whether they are suitable for him.
On the other hand, the attitude towards tests has deteriorated because of "fraudulent companies" that use tests as real cases. And I understand this, because candidates' work is literally being stolen.
I believe that everything should be discussed at the outset. For example, if the test will be used in the future, the employer should warn about this.
A solution for all specialists
And yet, the main question "Is it worth taking a free test?" remains open. But the answer is simple - do as you see fit. But first, evaluate the conditions:
- Company. Test assignments in large companies are usually justified, because such businesses value their reputation. But it is better to approach small brands with caution. For example, look at employee reviews.
- Vacancy. Assess how much you like the vacancy. And think about whether it is worth completing a free task.
- Conditions. Find out the conditions under which you are doing a test assignment. Ask the HR manager important questions. For example, will the test assignment be used as a real case in the event of an offer.
- Deadline. You are doing the work for free, which means the deadline should not be "the sooner the better." The company must understand that candidates have their own things to do. Accordingly, the applicant himself sets convenient deadlines.
- Responses. Often up to two thousand specialists respond to a vacancy. Then it is worth thinking about how your test will be assessed. After all, it is difficult to pay enough attention to each task. It is possible that they will not even look at your work.
The answer is in your head. The main thing is to work as it is convenient for you and not put yourself in an uncomfortable position. For example, do not agree to tight deadlines. Good companies will accommodate the candidate or offer an alternative solution.
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