Skills Testing Guidelines

Skills testing has become increasingly common during the hiring process for design-related positions. Unfortunately, not all skills tests are created equal, and some skills tests are unreasonable and can even deviate into spec work.

In an effort to provide clarity and guidance around skills testing for candidates and employers, the RGD’s Ethics Committee created Skills Testing Guidelines.

Summary:

• Know when to test: determine whether a skills test is necessary
• Know what you are testing for: have a clear idea of what insights you hope to gain from a skills test
• Set expectations: tell candidates as early as possible that you intend to administer a skills test and what you’re hoping to get out of it
• Value everyone’s time: keep skills tests short and administer them to no more than 2–3 candidates
• Don’t give homework: schedule a dedicated start and end time with the candidate to complete the skills test
• Don’t ask for spec (free) work: don’t deter top talent from applying by asking them to complete free or speculative work

Document design and copy: Evelyn Csiszar RGD