The day following submitting my resume I was contacted and given a pre-interview task to design two collections with technical drawings based on a given brief. Design tasks are not uncommon, but it struck me as odd to ask for that much work so quickly and before an initial interview. Took several days to compile and send the work, with their response being they will have a verdict within a few days. Almost a week later I received a rejection with no further information. I asked for feedback with their response stating it was against company policy to do so.
My theory is that they give this project brief to all applicants regardless of their resume, despite asking for a portfolio when applying initially. My advice is to know your worth as a designer and don’t do work for free.