A common question I get:
💬 “Should I do these free design assignments companies give during the hiring process?”
My answer? It depends.
Sometimes, a take-home challenge can help you stand out.
Other times, it’s just free labor in disguise.
Here’s how to approach it with clarity and intention:
✅ When It’s Worth Doing
If the challenge is:
• Reasonable in scope (e.g. 3–5 hours, not 30+)
• Clearly structured
• Tied to an actual UX problem they’re facing
• Followed by a conversation or review with the team
…it can be a real opportunity to show how you think under constraints.
Bonus: You get to test if you’d actually enjoy working on their product.
🚫 When It’s Okay to Say No
If it feels like:
• A full-on project without clear success criteria
• Zero interaction or context
• Vague requirements and unrealistic timelines
• No feedback or follow-up expected
…it’s perfectly okay to respectfully decline.
Here’s how you can respond:
“Thanks for the opportunity! Based on the scope, I’d love to discuss alternative ways to demonstrate how I think—happy to walk you through a similar past project or do a live working session.”
🤝 Aim for Collaboration
Before you dive in, always ask:
• “What’s the expected time commitment?”
• “Who’s the end user for this feature?”
• “How will success be evaluated?”
• “Will there be a review conversation after submission?”
A good assignment process isn’t one-way.
It’s mutual evaluation—you’re interviewing them too.
This is one of many strategies I cover inside UX Careerpreneurs—helping designers navigate real-world hiring challenges with confidence.
🟢 5 spots left
🕒 Closes March 31
Want in? Reply “UXCP” and I’ll send you the details.
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