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Just say you are not comfortable with the test and don’t want to move forward if they refuse to pay you for that. No bridge to be burnt your reference person probably either didn’t know or didn’t tell you upfront
if it's for an agency I would never do a copy test. that's what your portfolio is for.
if it's something else like an in-house shop or something in tech that I really wanted I would consider it because they're accustom to "tests" for employees and probably are looking for someone with a very specific skillset
Chief
Yes. Did a test once. Got the job. If you don’t they’ll disqualify you.
How bad do you need the job?
I did this (test was unrelated to the product, just wanted to see how I approach an ask) and I put a lot of energy and time into it cause this was a job I NEEDED and I didn’t want to squander an opportunity to get in.
Upside; it proved my value, got me an offer the next day, and got the highest compensation because of it.
Are they asking for copy for an existing product or service? If yes, then it’s probably to get free work. Such bs. Sick of these companies.
fortunately no
Is there way to treat this more like a proposal and describe the approach you’d take? Something more high level? I’ve heard of people opting to do that and prefacing with it as a holding a boundary of not doing free work
Set a time limit for yourself and share it with them. “I’m willing to write xYZ. It should take me 2 hours. That should give you a fair read of my capabilities.”
I’ve done tests. Got one job. Missed on another. If you really want the job, do it. If not, don’t. Also unfortunately, not every writer is as good as the pieces in their book.