Shocking. They interview you and then get you in for a full-day (unpaid) trial shift, where it is no secret that you produce work that will then be used by the company. Once the trial day ended I was called into an office for the quickest debrief I've ever experienced - they very bluntly told me there would be other trials coming in so they would have to make it fair and let me know whether I was successful towards the end of the week. No later than the next morning, I get a very cryptic email from HR (yes, not even a phone call from the people I met) to say I was unsuccessful due to my experience, and that other candidates 'visions' aligned better... Just for context, I was an incredibly proficient worker that day - completing all tasks they had asked to a high standard which they openly admitted would be used. I would have much rather have failed the trial based on my skills rather than be given no explanation other than the fact it was my 'vision' that was the issue. Why even invite me in for a trial day if my experience/ vision didn't align? Honestly, bizarre and cruel. Also, they clearly knew they weren't going to hire me on the day, so why wait until the next morning to land the very impersonal blow? Not even much thanks for completing a whole days FREE LABOUR for them. Begs to question why their interviewing process isn't better than to let someone who's 'vision' doesn't align into the studio for a trial day, or why the managers lack the very simple people skills to show a direct and candid approach with the hardworking candidates who have given their free time to be there. I honestly felt like I was back at school, being silently punished and kept in the dark. Overall a pretty horrific and gruelling experience - no empathy or clear words given, definitely dogged a bullet if this is what their management approach is like - unprofessional and cowardly. There was no enthusiastic spirit about the place
