Unprofessional interviewing practices, what should I do?

Anonymous

March 1,2023 at 6:21PM UTC

Welcome to Fairygodboss!

We’re the largest online career community helping women achieve their career goals. Gain access to articles, jobs, events, and a supportive network of women and allies. Membership is free, always.

Unprofessional interviewing practices, what should I do?

I have been interviewing with a company for about a month now (over at this point). Everything had been really positive from both ends, they kept telling me how much they liked me and I was excited to work for them. They asked me to complete a project for them, that would "solve a real problem they have been dealing with to see if I could handle some of the problems their company was facing." The prompt was one sentence asking me to make an expense report, and although I felt like my portfolio had significant examples of me successfully completing projects like this, I decided to do it anyway in good faith. I got very positive feedback on the project and was told I would hear back from them Monday about the next steps. It is now Wednesday and I have heard nothing. Up until now, they have been very communicative, always following up when they said they would even if there were no updates.

I guess my feeling is they used my work for their company and just planning on blowing me off/ghosting me. I have accepted this and I feel like I protected myself as well as I could given the risks. I just feel like I want to warn other potential interviewees of this experience, without getting lash back (as I am actively looking for jobs) . Any advice on this? Should I just accept it and move on? Or is there something that can be done?

Why women love us:

Daily articles on career topics
Jobs at companies dedicated to hiring more women
Advice and support from an authentic community
Events that help you level up in your career
Free membership, always

20 comments

Share your insight

Join an authentic community that helps women support each other at work. Share your professional experience or ask for advice — you can even post anonymously.

20 Comments

Join the conversation

AnonymousMarch 1,2023 at 6:44PM UTC
Recruiters on LinkedIn are all over this "project" BS! If it takes less than 20 minutes, it's your call. Anything more than that is a flat out "no" and do not continue moving on with the company. It's a red flag that they want work for free that their current employees can't figure out, or don't want to do. IF you do decide to do it, make sure you ask them to sign and NDA that also cites work ownership (yours). They also say to tell them a fee for the work, if you're a consultant or freelancer. Payment before project starts. Good Luck to you. And let me restate what you'd said early in your post "I WAS excited to work for them."
AnonymousMarch 1,2023 at 7:10PM UTC
It has been my experience that no one ever follows up when they say they will. No harm in writing a note asking for an update, then asking every week until you get a response. Almost every time someone tells me they'll get back by a specific day, I take it with a grain of salt. It could be what you are saying, but it could also be unexpected absences, unable to get meetings with the decision makers, etc. Don't lose hope just yet!
Bridget HarringtonMarch 1,2023 at 7:43PM UTC
In the graphic arts world, this is known as "working on spec." Basically, asking for free work, similar to the "it doesn't pay...but it's great exposure" line that musicians often get. Exposure doesn't pay your bills and your time comes at a cost. NEVER work on spec, no matter how lucrative a job appears. When I was much younger and didn't know any better, I interviewed for a company who wanted me to "design a sample catalog layout," allegedly as part of the interview process. They sent me artwork to use and asked that I send "press ready files" because they "wanted to verify that I knew how to design to print specs." It made sense to me, and as I said, I didn't know any better then. I didn't get the job and found out months later that they used the layout! My EXACT layout. I compared my computer files and zero changes were made to it. I was outraged about it, and fortunately at the time I was engaged to a lawyer who set me straight on what to do. The company was deceptive, I wasn't given a job out of it, so thus, they scored free work they owed me for. I sent them a bill with a copy of the catalog pages and a letter stating that the bill was for 4 hours of work and if they chose not to pay it, that I would pursue it in small claims court and inform the media that they did this. They paid the bill. But much later, I learned that this was standard practice for this company....they used interviews as a way to get fresh, free ideas.For my current job, even though I have an extensive portfolio, my now-boss asked me to write a press release, based on a product sell sheet. That was a test to see how quickly I could think on my feet and how I handled myself, having to write about something I didn't know anything about. That was different...I knocked it out in 15 minutes. At the end of the interview, they handed me the actual press release they were sending to the media that afternoon. Mine was very similar, funny enough, and they hired me.It often takes companies a while to get back to people, so I don't expect immediacy. However, if you run into a situation like the first one I mentioned, don't be afraid to tell companies something like, "My portfolio contains many examples of that kind of work and you're welcome to talk to prior managers/clients...but if you want something specific to your company, my hourly rate is X." Don't do work for free in the hopes you will get a job.
AnonymousMarch 1,2023 at 7:46PM UTC
Creating an expense report template is pretty basic that I'm sure they were just too lazy to do. I'm glad it wasn't something that cost you significant time and effort.
Unfortunately these types of requests are standard these days, I deliver them watermarked and in pdf to at least create roadblocks to repurpose them.
AnonymousMarch 1,2023 at 9:31PM UTC
I wouldn't encourage any backlash or warnings. Take it at face value. Something could have come in front of them that hasn't allowed them to follow up. If you created that for them I would have put it in a format of read only, IMO. You shouldn't stop looking and become complacent when searching for a new position even in an active interview process. You just never know. Also, if you haven't already reach out to them, own your job search. You can also give them a way out if you need to leave a voicemail or sent email by asking them if you're not being moved forward at this time to please communicate that. Wish them well on their journey in filling that spot. Process can become very fluid very quickly. Shake it off, keep moving.
AnonymousMarch 1,2023 at 10:02PM UTC
Call or send an email and follow up. I will not complete, any assignments for a job that I am interviewing for. I feel this is a red flag and more risks than a value add for me. That is my non-negotiable. I have even said in an interview, I would be happy to share my strategies with you upon my hire. The HM was asking for specific details knowing that I was currently working for her competition. I do not hold a position that would require this. I can see this for some other Sales roles etc but not for my role. After you land a job you can always leave a review on Glassdoor.
AnonymousMarch 1,2023 at 10:38PM UTC
Again, this is what I call a Life Experience. I work for a company that asks employees for ideas. We give them to the company and the company uses them. I get no credit. So, they get no more of my ideas. In my humble opinion, your better off not working for expense sheet thieves
AnonymousMarch 1,2023 at 11:15PM UTC
While interviewing for a marketing company, I had to submit a year-long campaign, including tie-in events and media contacts. I received rave reviews and then radio silence even after following up with the recruiter and hiring manager. Two months later, I saw my campaign launch and the kicker, the company won an award for its innovation. I'm now careful how much I prepare before receiving an offer. I'm willing to complete an assignment but tailor it more to my experience than what could be put into production.
AnonymousMarch 2,2023 at 1:57PM UTC
This is actual illegal what they did to you. Since you do not work for them, unless you signed the rights over, you own the copyright and IP. Maybe consider sending them a bill for this work from a copywriter attorney!
AnonymousMarch 2,2023 at 2:31PM UTC
That's horrific, and I hate that someone, much less a group of people, would do this to a job candidate. Sounds illegal
AnonymousMarch 2,2023 at 2:02PM UTC
I wouldn’t bother following up with these crooks. You don’t want to work with people like this. Live and learn.
AnonymousMarch 2,2023 at 2:18PM UTC
I’ve seen so many posts like this. I would post about it in Glassdoor and Indeed reviews.
My policy is no free work, and no personality or ‘intelligence’ tests. I know I don’t wish to work for a company that would request or require those things during an interview process. Huge red flag.
Shelly EdwardsMarch 2,2023 at 2:23PM UTC
Companies are allowed to ask candidates to complete a sample project but if that project turns into actual work product that the company intends to use then they are required to pay for the hours spent on it. I would circle back with them to see if they have any feedback on your project and what next steps are for the interview process.
AnonymousMarch 2,2023 at 2:50PM UTC
Since you've posted anonymously here, you could list the actual company so that others are warned. You could also post an interview review on sites like Glassdoor so that other candidates can be warned by your experience.
AnonymousMarch 2,2023 at 2:56PM UTC
I am hoping that you follow up today and they have an excellent job offer for you. Their hiring team was just really busy this week.
If not, I am sorry this happened. I have been learning through this website how important it is to set boundaries. It is most people’s nature to be agreeable and helpful. Sometimes people take advantage of that. Don’t let this one company take that from you. Now you have learned a lesson, taught others lessons, and confirmed you are an asset. Bravo to you for being awesome, shame on them if they don’t call.
Reb562March 2,2023 at 3:16PM UTC
I work for a large corporation and sometimes getting the decision makers together is tough. The other day, I wanted to schedule a meeting with a few colleagues and the ONLY time everyone was available was March 29th and this was on February 21st when I scheduled it. Not trying to make excuses but with traveling, scheduled interviews, meetings, deadlines and just plain work, you should expect delays.
Angela Day DentonMarch 2,2023 at 4:29PM UTC
Continue to look for other jobs while you are waiting. I would not try to warn anyone, if you are asked about your experience with this company then you can answer honestly. If they do contact you to hire you, then you can make the decision whether you want to work for them or not. I personally would re-evaluate whether this was a good fit or not.
AnonymousMarch 2,2023 at 4:59PM UTC
They could be ready to make an offer but someone who needs to sign is out of office/unavailable for some reason (it takes up to 5 signatures from recruiter, hiring manager up to CEO in some cases for offers to be released and it can take days even if everyone is working and available) so I wouldn’t worry just yet. It could still be coming. And if they did waste your time, like so many companies are doing to us these days, you can share your bad experience on Glassdoor as well. I hope this comes through or you will find something better!
AnonymousMarch 2,2023 at 5:42PM UTC
Did you at the start of your interviewing ask about timeline and steps from beginning to end of their process? If not, take a breath, 2 more days is not a big deal often there are so many moving parts- other candidates, hiring manager reviews, unclear needs for hiring or perhaps both you and another did so well they just don't have consensus on their choice and cannot make up their mind. Recruiting good people takes time and often companies have more pressing business things that come up that slow it down. I would wait until Friday and if you have not hear from them by then send a polite email reinforcing your interest and the need to know where you stand. Give them an out and in the note say " if I am no longer being considered please let me know as I have other companies where my candidacy has progressed fairly quickly" if you hear nothing move on quietly and get over it. There will be other employers who see your value and bashing this place when you can't see behind the scenes is a waste of your energy. Yes, it's frustrating but if you can't see past it you'll kill your job search mood and that will hurt you far more than them.
AnonymousMarch 5,2023 at 4:54PM UTC
I was ghosted after completing a take-home assignment after three hour-long interviews where they made it seem like I was the one they wanted to hire. I decided from now on I will either say no or set the terms explicitly if it’s a company I REALLY want to work for (nothing that will take longer than a a couple hours or is related to the company, and I’ll do a short presentation of the assignment and open up the actual file of the work itself during the presentation if they want to see file organization but I will not send them the actual file itself). If they refuse these terms, they are not a company I want to work for. NO company should be allowed to procure work for free.