I'm applying for this Graphic Design role and so far I've sent them my CV/Portfolio, a covering letter, spoken to the recruiter multiple times and been through a positive zoom interview with the design team.
But now before they have an in person face to face interview with me they want me to complete two pieces of work or “tasks” to show I have the skills required/can do the job.
Issue 1 is that the first task is using skills not listed in the job description or interview which is more inline with packaging design than graphic design.
Issue 2 is that the second task is quite significant for unpaid work, it's to create a print ready A4 full page of advertisement for a new range of products with a somewhat vague brief.
I've spoken with the recruiter who has reaffirmed their position on this, he's told me every role in the company goes through a similar process of giving people a task to complete. However there is no guarantee of employment or that they won't use this work in future project without my consent.
I've been told there's only two other applicants to make it to this stage and that my chances are high but the fact that they're asking this much now doesn't make me confident that they won't ask for too much if I'm employed with them.
I'm just looking for some opinions on this and if anyone's gone through something similar, thanks.
edit: should note that graphic design roles are very rare to pop up in my area