Workplace reviews and discussion: 也樂設計有限公司

The interview attitude was fairly good

1. The company is located in an old apartment building in a residential area. It is easy to get lost because there is no building number (and the old apartment building has a very strong pipe odor).

2. I was not informed in advance that a written test and a computer-based test were required, so I was quite taken aback when I found out on-site.

3. The testing process was lengthy. In addition to basic questions and answers, there were tests resembling university practical examinations (basic color theory, creative expression, and creating a key visual on a computer).

4. During the interview, the boss did not proactively introduce the company or explain the specific job responsibilities. (Even when I asked questions, I could only get vague answers, and there was no way to learn about projects or works the company had done.)

5. I was asked to fill in complete personal information. (Based on my past experience, complete personal information is usually provided only after an offer has been confirmed; otherwise, only basic contact information is generally required.)

Overall, this interview experience felt very strange to me.

It would have been one thing if they had simply not mentioned the test beforehand, but the content of the test was also quite unusual, because it is simply impossible to complete creative expression (being given an A4 sheet and specific keywords and asked to draw a picture without looking for references) and a key visual for an art exhibition in such a short time.

If they wanted to assess design thinking, they could have given me an assignment to complete at home and send back, or asked me to explain the concept behind a related work. Either would have been sufficient. I could not understand the purpose of this test. (I have interviewed with more than 20 design companies, and this was the first time I had encountered a test like this.)

During the interview, I was unable to learn any more information about the company beyond what was described on 104. They repeatedly emphasized that they focus on art and are different from other commercial design companies, and that they do not deliberately promote the company externally or develop a corporate image or brand. However, they also did not provide any specific descriptions or examples of their content or work. (The company may have its own considerations and position on this point, so I will not comment further; please make your own judgment.)

Also, in the small residential space, there were only the boss and one other designer—two people in total—yet there were surveillance cameras in every corner. (I am somewhat sensitive about this because my previous company was the same: it installed new cameras with real-time monitoring and recording, which created considerable pressure due to the lack of privacy. Therefore, personally, I consider this a drawback.)

These are my interview experiences. I hope they help everyone learn more about this company!