Feeling totally used and need advice. Got in the final for what would have been a dream job (not now of course) and was asked to complete a pretty robust assignment for a launch strategy for a startup. I did everything, over-delivered really, a framework, launch strategy, platform analysis, and even an influencer piece (at their request). I had to present via Skype to the hiring manager and leadership. Only the hiring manager showed up. It caught me off guard (I know, rookie mistake) CONT’D...

likesmart
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Was it for RGA? If so, then they’ll be careful to side step a direct lift. But if it’s for a small agency or startup, you bet they’ll use it.
Never, ever do an unpaid “test” assignment.
Ever.

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yeah, it’s sucks and it happens. happened to me once. it was more subtle though - the startup had me to do a whiteboard session and I know they stole an idea from that session.

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I did these when I was interviewing early in my career and even had candidates do them at the advice of leadership when I was a first-time manager. Looking back, I regret that so much, and knowing how little attention we paid and how little impact it had vs. the effort the candidate put in is disgusting. Now, every time one of these is brought up, I ask if it’s compensated. Sometimes they will pay, sometimes they won’t. If they won’t, I explain why I’m against spec work and politely decline. It may be naive but I hope if I can educate just one hiring manager, it might make it better for the next person who comes along who may not be in the position to decline.

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Thank you so much!

Don’t feel bad, OP. I’m 10000% against these kinds of tests. But if my dream job was on the line...let’s be honest, I’d probably do it. (Even though I’d like to say I wouldn’t.)

likeuplifting

Thanks for the thoughtful words ❤️

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It’s an abuse of labor laws. They’re using the word “test” as a loophole.

At this point I’d say there aught to be a law against unpaid tests. A test should be paid based on what the job’s actual pay would be.

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Agreed. The project took me 4 days and I used every resource I could get my hands on. I think paying people for their work is so important, I just didn’t advocate for myself.

Startups are the biggest culprits of this and are the ones that started it. I’ve never been asked by an agency to complete an assignment, although I’m sure some do. For my last job (at a startup) I had to put together a 30+ page presentation including an overview of the visual landscape of the competing companies and multiple campaign directions for them. I was so desperate to get out of my previous job I obliged and spent 20+ hours on it. I’ll never do that again. If a company can assess your fit for a role based on your portfolio of work, be wary of the company.

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I totally feel you. My project took me a week and it was around the same length. I even comped social ads. Very disheartening. As a strategist, it’s hard to develop a portfolio as our work is less tangible, so I think I’m unfortunately caught between a rock and a hard place here.

And they asked to record the presentation so they could send it to leadership. I got nothing but super high praise from the hiring manger during the presentation. They said they’d send to leadership and get back ASAP. HR contacted me about salary shortly after and I sent through my range. Stupidly there was no talk before then (know I should have pushed).

A week went by and nothing. Then on a Friday I randomly got an email from HR, not the hiring manager, that rejected me in a generic, one line email.

Now I’m worried they’re going to use all of my work. I sent a pretty straightforward email that it’s my intellectual property, but I’m just so frustrated with myself and my stupidity. Has anyone else been in a similar situation? How do I talk myself off the ledge?

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I’ve done an assignment to get a job but they made it clear it was theoretical, for a client and brief they didn’t actually have (I verified). That felt ok to me although quite stressful. It was also at senior strat level. If it was for an actual client I don’t think I would do it. Since then I’ve always just shown work samples.

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That was always my experience! I’ve done projects for agencies for fake clients, or even well-known brands that aren’t on their roster. Felt more ethical than this... should’ve advocated better for myself

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It’s tough and that sucks.

The tests are a really great way to assess candidates, especially in strategy where a portfolio doesn’t help much. I personally use them, but I do not base the assignment on current clients because it creates the potential for conflict. I also make it clear to candidates that I’m interested in how they think and that they don’t need to spend a huge amount of time on the assignment.

I’m going to continue doing it because it works. It helps me make better hiring decisions, as well as helps me fight implicit biases.

OP: unfortunately you don’t have any recourse.

You can’t assert IP ownership after the fact and even beforehand you still need an enforceable agreement that they’ve signed.

I think your best move would be to ask if they’d be willing to give you feedback on your case to help you understand their decision since you put in a lot of sweat and heart. They may still have to say no for legal reasons (generally you don’t get into specifics of why you don’t hire someone because it creates legal risks) but in the past I have learned a lot from this.

Also, many startups and tech firms allow you to reapply in the future or for other roles.

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Yes, hear you on simultaneous invention. I’ve had it happen many times in the workplace with many teams! I did learn a lot about the process during the project and kind of fell in love with strategy all over again, even if this put a really bad taste in my mouth. I’ll find the right fit, trying not to harp on it too much!

uplifting

I'm very sorry you were taken advantage of that way. I recently was in a similar boat. Long story short, I was asked to do a final interview assignment that was ridiculous to ask a candidate to do for free....and it would have taken me about a week to prepare. What's worse is the content in that presentation was directly relatable to their business and could definitely be used by them in the future. It spoke to the predatory nature of the company and I withdrew my candidacy, despite being unemployed. I do not regret the decision one bit. That said, had you withdrawn your candidacy like I did, you might have wondered "what if."

My advice is don't dwell. You did what you thought was best given the information you had. Arguably, it was a small price to pay to avoid employment at a company that preys on creative people. It would have continued had you been hired!

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You’re absolutely right. I have to look forward and just remember to be a good advocate for my work and my time!

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