[alabut]

It's not exactly spec work - there isn't an explicit understanding that they'll use somebody's work if its good enough; it's not commissioning a one-off project with vague promises of future work - but it's also definitely not standard practice, at least for design gigs, since it's so easy to get a feel for their work by flipping through a portfolio.

If the concern is whether they can strike the same tone and style, hiring people on a temp contract is usually a better way to go, plus then you also test if they're fast, present their work with a strong rationale, play nicely with others, etc.