Prospective employer testing testing?

[Samakimoto Graphics]

"We are looking for a good designer who's good with layout. Did I say good? I meant excellent. Someone who can work with books. We don't have a position open yet- but there could be opportunity for this in the next few weeks.

I am looking for someone who has or can work in publishing. Mainly part time for the time being. If you know of any, or are one yourself, forward the cv's to_______"

I responded to the ad above and I applied for the position with a publishing house over here, (looking to move before contract expires in a coupl of months) they were impressed by my resume. The Publishing editor responded by sending specification for a "test" book design; cover + 4 pages, 152 pages book and dimensions, author's name, book title, described type of book and the target market (local)..."indicate space for the bar code...

They are looking for a part-timer but this statement makes me a little suspicious, they could take my concept and run

"...We don't have a position open yet- but there could be opportunity for this in the next few weeks."

This is the first time I am confronted with this, as most prospective employers (I have encountered before) ask to meet the prospective employee and see other portfolio work in a face-to-face interview after seeing the resume.

I did a background check up on the company and they are legit, great books, some I have bought my niece to read.

I'm sort of getting the feeling that this is a real project that they are looking for ideas for free!

They want a response as to whether I can send the PDF concept by Friday this week, I can, but I'm not sure I should.

What's your take on this?

[SpugNothuson]

It is a bit of a strange one.

If they're a large company they may be adjusting the status quo to suit themselves and the job offer is completely legit, or suggestion of a possible job in the next few weeks.

If you don't comply with the deadline, it may be that a few other people did and you'll have no chance. If you do comply and they steal the concept and run with it themsleves without any compensation to you, can you not put messures in place to put in a claim against them?

Or maybe, thinking off the top of my head now, include in the concept that you send to them some legal documentation forbidding them to use the concept or work without your express permission.

[tZ]

what do you mean by concept?- isn't this a book?

Couldn't you just save the pdf at web res so they can't print it?- From what your saying I'm under the impression your laying out the entire book???

[PrintDriver]

A non-printing pdf is no guarantee another designer on staff or on contract won't copy the concept for them.

[sierng]

I agree with Spug, about producing some form of documentation or agreement between you and them.
I'm interested in knowing the solution to this, as I was also recently confronted with a similar situation.

[Samakimoto Graphics]

TZ, no it's a test. I only layout 4 pages and design the front and back cover using my own dummy text for both the pages and the back cover, the title of the book and Aurhor's name are the only seemingly real things.

Spug, good ideaI think that having a write up that forbids any other use of the design other than for the test. If they find that aggressive on my part, then they don't deserve to benefit from my talent.

Thanks guys! :)

[SpugNothuson]

That would be my only concern that they'd see it as an agressive move.

They may see it as a wise move as publishers are usually the first people to make sure that their work cannot be taken somewhere else.