Have you had to take a copy test or been given an unpaid assignment as part of a job interview? If so, was it for a freelance gig or full-time job? Was it for an agency or in-house?

Posting as :
works at
You are currently posting as works at

If you have a full portfolio of copy you should not agree to taking a "test". If they don't like your book to hire you, I doubt a test will make any difference. And in my experience a test is given by only 3 types of employers.
1. Someone trying to f@ck with you...like the old CP+B test, which really wasn’t a copy test at all and following the rules made you lose. (Was actually fun to do but took a few hours.)
2. A shady employer that wants “samples” which they intend on actually using and ripping off people that think they are interviewing....this is common in Bay Area.
3. People looking for proofreaders that don’t understand what copywriters do...they are easy to spot as they spell it Copy Writer, and will argue that the dictionary has it as two words....which only proves they want a proofreader.

like

I took them as a jr. copywriter but will no longer do so as a senior copywriter. They are not a good use of my time, especially when it is unpaid.

like

Full time. In-house. If you’re asked to create work be sure to put in the footer of each page that you submit that Company’s usage your work is dependent on them employing you

like

My first job required me to do a spec campaign over a weekend. I had a book, but still happily did it, then had to present it to a room of people at the company. Kind of ridiculous to ask someone to do that and not pay them, now that I look back on it. But just starting out I figured I could just use it as spec in my book if it didn’t work out. Fortunately it did.

like

I just took a test as part of a job interview that took an hour and a half... After interviewing 8 candidates the same way, my recruiter told me they decided not to hire anyone after all 😑

helpful

Oh and that was for a full time agency position. I've never had to do that before though

like

The only time I was asked to do a test was for an in-house job for a London based company. For a sr. Level job. I almost didn’t do it, but I’ve been told it’s more common there.

like

They should pay you. We have a proofreader assignment and we pay them to do it for us.

I’ve had to do a few copy tests here and there when I was younger. It always feels pointless to me and I don’t really like to give them when I’m hiring now, because I don’t feel like I learn much — though it does give people who haven’t had the privilege of going to ad school the chance to show off their chops.

Related Posts

Anyone working in PWC in salesforce group?
Have some questions and would like to have information regarding interview.
Any help is appreciated. TIA.

like

Hi Fishes, I received a mail with subject line 'Accenture Recruitment Status - You've made it to our final interview at Accenture!'. What does it mean? As I Have cleared technical aptitude test and technical Interview can I assume this will be an HR round?

like
like

How is everyone getting Fall/ Spring/ summer internships? Are you all applying on the company website/ LinkedIn page. Networking to recruiters? Through college career center. I've been applying and not getting anything? Any tips or advice?

like

Is a two page resume good or the one page resume still preferred?

like

Hi All,

I have completed interview with vous and HR has send me indicative breakup and asking me to resign from the current company because offer letter is taking time.


Should I resign on the basic of breakup communication or wait for offer letter ?

What is everyone’s thoughts about Hilton? Just got asked to interview

like

Who are the best creative recruiters in Amsterdam? Any help is much appreciated! Thanks

like

Did you all know partners can now delegate their LinkedIn profiles to recruiters? Super sketchy in my opinion bc recruiters can’t even handle outlook...

likefunny

How do I nicely following up with a referrer I don’t know? This was my second ask in the last two month, and I don’t want to be annoying. The last time, he sent me an email saying he submitted my ap

Hi all - asking for advice for a friend who resigned from his job (w/o job lined up) due to unethical and likely fraudulent actions leadership were taking. He tried to reason with the leadership team (c-suite, small company), but had no effect, so resigned since he would have to execute on those unethical/fraudulent decisions. He was only at this company for 3mo. He's looking for a new job and trying to figure out: what does he say when interviewers ask him why he left? Thank you in advance!

like
like

Do LinkedIn skills endorsements mean anything? Has any recruiter said... "Whoa! She's got 47 people that think she's a great writer... we gotta get her in here!" ?

like

How many days does it take to receive the offer letter?
Last Thursday HR confirmed my selection.

like

Hey Fishes can someone help with Product Owner interview pattern at Cerner

like

Hi Guys,

I have completed my tech interview rounds with UBS and have received email for fitment round.

Can anyone share what happens in this fitment round on interview?
HRs have asked to submit documents even before this fitment round; which seems unusual. Is this normal for UBS and this is how they progress?

Thank you.

like

Hi Folks,

got an call for sap bw hana job. can someone help me with the kind of questions they ask?

like

Is Bain Singapore hiring experienced consultants? If I have 2 years of experience, what level should I apply for?

like

Hello all,
I have applied to deloitte usi on their job portal but have not heard back from them since 2 weeks now.
What should I do?

More Posts

Hello Everyone,

Does any of you know about cognizant softvision company? How is it, please reply

like

LTI-Larsen & Toubro Infotech is Hiring
*DM your EMAILID with JOBID to Apply*
All LTI Location!!

Post Photo
like

For as much as women claim to support each other in the work place, I routinely see you going out of your way to hurt other female co-workers in ways you would never think of hurting male co-workers.

like

Does anyone have any experience with General Motor’s HireVue process?

like

For everyone in recovery, please reach out and stay in touch with your people. Isolation is a killer.

like

I told my boss about my ADHD in confidence because I was looking for a small accommodation (working from home x2 a week). I got it, but now I lowkey feel like she told other people in the office. I'm not sure if I'm being paranoid but someone I'm friendly with in HR has been acting weird since Monday, which is when I told my boss. Would she have to tell HR legally? What should I do?

like

I'm going to office on Jul 20 and 21st. I'm trying to book a seat for me in magnet but its not showing any results for Hyderabad tower 1. Anyone can guide me please

like

How to delete the profile from ibegin tcs portal?

like

Anybody from Mumbai Capgemini Airoli? I would be visiting Mumbai and my base location is in Noida. Would like to see Mumbai office if possible and anyone can guide the process?

Capgemini

like

Website question: is it bad to have a few spots that are over five years old? I keep them down at the bottom and the majority are much newer so they sort of serve as a ‘best of’ my older work.

any of you pick up freelance work on the side? how do you find it if not via LinkedIn?

like
like

Top in-house agencies in NY right now?

like

Hi fishes, DM for referral.

Business Development Representative - Canada
Location: Canada - Canada - Remote
Function:: Marketing

Post Photo

I'm looking to find a job like the Forward Deployed Engineer role Palantir Technologies in the UK.

I have become hooked on finding a job that involves solving the kinds of problems they presented during their interviews. Although I got to the final round my performance anxiety got the better of me (I think I wanted the job a bit too much...). I will reapply after working in a similar company.

Is it "deep tech" / "data science" or "smart enterprise" that they're doing? Any advice welcome.

like

Hi I’m a current Graduate student, hoping to get my foot in the door for Deloitte Healthcare Consulting, Accenture CDP, or EY specifically within Chicago Offices. Is there anyone open to connecting and speaking on their experience being hired? I have previous experience working prior to my degree so hoping to get insight on how I can best score an interview. If you’re also open to providing a referral that would be a bonus!

like

Any family lawyers here?

like

How to be good at Sales and have a charismatic personality?
Any words of wisdom? Any great books to read? Any other recommendations?

like

Additional Posts in Copywriters

What's important to include in a UX copywriting portfolio?

like

What are your fav snacks to nibble on while you write?

likesmart

wisdom on getting promoted to mid-level at the same agency? I’d hate to leave but I’m coming up on 3 years of (real) experience & my agency is known to have CDs come in as seniors so I’m pessimistic

Anyone heard if Wizard of ads?

It’s feeling impossible to find a long lasting mentor-mentee relationship, especially when agencies are understaffed, timelines are ridiculously short and the best in the biz jump ship every two-ish years…

Does anyone have tips on how to become a better writer when you don’t have consistent senior writers around to share your with with?

like

I am looking for part time freelance/contract, remote, mid level copywriting work! If there are any suggestions of great recruiters, places to work or you know of someone hiring please let me know! Thanks.

like

To any copywriter reading this. Can you share what an amazing portfolio looks like. I want to see what I'm lacking.

like

Thoughts about going back and forth between agency and in-house? Is it a good/bad idea? Is it even possible?

like

Are there any role and responsibility differences between being an full time ACD and a freelance ACD?

like

There’s an Art Director at my job who helped with a new business pitch and came up with the WORST headline construct without consulting me or any copywriter. (Cont)

like

Anybody made the move to freelancing? Infinitely happier? Enough money after taxes? Asking for a friend.

like

Anyone know of going freelance copywriter rates in Tennessee?

like

Anyone do any work in web3/blockchain/metaverse?

like

I don’t know that “gross wine” is a particular problem I encounter, but this ad sure as hell thinks it is.

Post Photo
likefunny

Had anyone had success using the c0ff3e thing on LinkedIn? Like landed interviews/gigs?

like

I had a call w/ a recruiter and after hearing about the job, I *really* want it. But I’m worried I priced myself out of the role. I sent my resume/portfolio after and haven’t even gotten a reply that she received it, and I’ve followed up. I’ve been getting recruiter messages offering salaries up to 120k for copy/senior copy roles (which surprised me) so I gave 110-120 as a range on the call. She hesitantly said she thought 115 would be OK. But wondering if the salary could be the issue? Thought?

like

Tips for how to start off on a good foot at a new job? Also on how to balance that with taking ownership of the work/asserting yourself, especially when the people there are used to you freelancing (which was less assertive, and similar work but a lower title)… thanks!

like

ATTENTION!! I’m looking for creative directors (art and copy) to work on some pretty amazing clients with our R/GA California office. Whether you’re solo or partnered up, I want to talk to you. And if that’s not you (right now), point your friends in my direction ☺️ 👏🏾☺️👏🏾

like

Anyone got any insight on working at Preacher?

like

🌴Copywriters in Miami🌴 If you’re looking for a full time gig at a growing agency, please DM me. My agency has an opening.

like

New to Fishbowl?

Download the Fishbowl app to
unlock all discussions on Fishbowl.
That was just a preview…
Sign Up to see all discussions
  • Discover what it’s like to work at companies from real professionals
  • Get candid advice from people in your field in a safe space
  • Chat and network with other professionals in your field
Sign up in seconds to unlock all discussions on Fishbowl.

Already a user?
Login here

Share

Embed this post

Copy and paste embed code on your site

Preview

Download the
Fishbowl app

See what’s happening in your industry
from the palm of your hand.

A phone with Fishbowl app

Scan your QR code to download
Fishbowl app on your mobile

Download app

Sign up for free to view this conversation on Fishbowl

By continuing you agree to Terms of Use and Privacy Policy

Already have an account? Log in

Sign up for free to continue using Fishbowl

By continuing you agree to Terms of Use(New) and Privacy Policy(New)
Messaging rates may apply

Already have an account? Log in

For account settings, visit Fishbowl on Desktop Browser or

General

Legal