Opinions on pre-hire assignments? I’m in the final stages of interviewing for a senior strategist job and they’re asking that I put together a robust presentation to refresh a program. They want me to think through messaging, channels, competitive, measurement, etc. I then have to present my strategy in an hour long meeting with the hiring manager and higher ups.

Is this normal? I’ve never been asked to complete something so comprehensive for an interview process.

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I typically give a hypothetical assignment. A brand we don’t work on and an assignment I make up, just to see how they think. The presentation shouldn’t be more than 10 slides and I make sure to tell them to not slave over it.

I’ve always done this because it allows some folks who may not be good in an interview a chance to shine and it can expose others who may just be good interviewers.

I had a guy interview who was a copywriter and wanted to get into strategy. I was hesitant during the interview because he said nothing but jargon, I gave him the assignment and he did a great job on it. Changed my perspective.

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There is someone we have at my agency who is literally incompetent and it’s been a long road to firing her.

If we had done this with her she never would have been hired.

So generally I am in favor of it.

You can say no, of course.

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I’ve done this before but I was paid to do so by the HR department.

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I've been asked to think about old briefs they've done or bring one of my own in a few interviews. Usually it's to get a better sense at how you approach assignments and if you can fill a gap in the agency.

Is this a live brief the agency is currently working on? If it's a live brief, I'd be cautious as they could be fishing for free work.

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This. Make sure it's not a live brief. And if the assignment is very comprehensive, be wary and ask for payment.

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I have a crazy robust one I’m working on now too. In previous companies I’ve asked for payment for my day rate, after which they scrapped the assignment and hired me after letting me show old work. I’m doing it now because I really want this job but it seems very shady.

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It used to be rare and now I fear, in this economy, it’s becoming standard which is gross.

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It’s completely standard in Europe for mid-weight and above. Makes total sense for the hiring company to want to get a feel for how you think and approach work. Having completed one last week, it is also very stressful! Especially when they say “don’t spend more than 4 hours” - impossible!

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I agree. No way can you complete a project worthy of demonstrating what you offer in four hours. I think it’s almost a mind fuck to see how badly you want it and your willingness to go above and beyond.

Hi I’m experiencing this too and just posted a question about it. What they are asking me to do will take at a minimum a full days work of worth. I’m not sure if I should move forward or push back. It feels like free work. What did you end up doing?

Depends on your status. I hate it and think it’s scummy but it was a job I wanted and in this economy I did it. I pushed the date back so I could do it over the weekend and signed an offer two weeks ago.

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