I applied back in October for a permanent position - the process was very long and gruelling. Probably one of the more intense processes I've experienced, but I'm used to doing a lot of work for jobs like these before I'm offered a role. I had a short phone call with the recruiter first (who was lovely throughout the process) before I was introduced to a member of the team I would be working with. We had a lovely conversation and it was all very positive. I was then given a task which was a little vague, but I went full steam ahead and produced a 15-page document with designs and ideas fully fleshed out and explained. I spent my entire weekend producing this. I was then brought on for a final interview where I met the rest of the team and we went over my task in detail - essentially it became a presentation and I took a half day at my current job to do this. Everything seemed very positive. I didn't hear anything for about a week or so before the recruiter I spoke with initially asked to chat with me. I was told that the team liked me and wanted me, but I was thrown a curveball at the final stage. I was told that they wanted to take me on for a "paid trial freelancing" for a "short time". The permanent job I had applied for was no longer existent, because they wanted to see if I'd fit in with the team. I explained that I could not leave my current position for a freelance role that I may or may not have in a few months time as I'm looking to relocate (which they were aware of at the start of the process). I didn't hear back for two days and was then informed that they would not be offering me the role any longer due to rejecting their terms. They had also now provided a reason for the freelance/paid trial offer, stating that I did not fill a gap regarding my social media content and curation experience (which I had some experience in, but no more than a year). By offering me the trial, they had hoped to see if I could fill the gap or not, and didn't want to take a chance by offering me the permanent role that was advertised. At the end of it, I was creatively drained and felt that my hard work had not been seen nor appreciated. I was very excited to work with this company, so it is a shame that it ended so abruptly. My only feedback to the hiring team is this: some candidates may not always fit your requirements. People are unique and sometimes need a new role to expand their skills - sometimes you have to take a leap of faith, and you may find yourself surprised.