I was asked to complete an unpaid design assignment (spec work) directly related to their business as part of the interview process. I submitted it on time and followed up afterward. They never responded. There was no feedback, no update, nothing. If a company is going to ask for unpaid assignments, the least they can do is respond. Companies need to stop asking candidates to do spec work unless they plan to treat them with basic respect. It's exploitative and wastes people's time and energy.