Unpaid Interview Assignments: Are Companies Crossing the Line?

One hot topic buzzing around these days is the ethics of unpaid, complex interview project assignments.

Have you ever been through an interview, made it to the final round, and then they ask you to complete a project assignment?

I'm talking about tasks like creating a strategic marketing plan, analysing a dataset and presenting insights, or developing a business plan for a new division you'd manage.

And how about those companies that ask sales candidates to present a list of clients they'd bring in as part of the final assessment?

These situations are real and happening often. People don't discuss it much. Why? Are they scared? Is it considered the norm? Or do they think it's just part of the "normal" hiring process?

Job seekers go to interviews, spend time doing these tasks, create business plans or strategies, present them to the companies. And then what? Are they essentially doing the work for free?

It's a sad reality. I see this every day. As a career coach, I work with professionals who are diligent and dedicated, going above and beyond in their interview process, working on complex project assignments, only to be rejected, ghosted, or informed that the role has been put on hold or given to an internal candidate.

As a corporate coach, I also see the other side. Companies often assign complex tasks to candidates as part of the final stage interview process, using the ideas for their own benefit.

So, Where's The Line Between a Fair Task and Too Much?

Candidates often invest substantial time and resources into these projects during the interview. These tasks can take several hours to days, requiring a high level of dedication and effort. For many, this feels like working for free, especially when there's no guarantee of feedback or a job offer at the end.

Real-life Examples of Ethical Hiring Practices

Several companies have tackled the issue of unpaid interview projects, setting a great example for others:

Paying candidates for their time and effort during complex interview tasks is becoming more common.

Here Are Some Companies Leading The Way:

Buffer: Buffer compensates candidates for take-home tasks and complex assessments, showing their commitment to a fair and transparent hiring process. This ensures candidates' time and efforts are respected and valued.

Twitter: Twitter pays candidates for take-home assignments and task-based assessments. This respects candidates' time and effort, promoting a fairer hiring process.

FoodShare Toronto: FoodShare Toronto gives candidates $75 per interview to cover expenses like childcare or taking time off work. This acknowledges the financial burden the interview process can impose.

Automattic: Automattic includes a paid trial project in their hiring process for all positions. This short project or set of tasks helps both the candidate and the company assess mutual compatibility. The trial is paid and usually lasts between two and eight weeks, depending on the candidate's availability.

Many tech companies and startups, especially those needing highly technical or creative skills, are adopting this practice. Examples include Datapeople , which pays candidates at a fair market freelance rate for assessment tasks.

Hidden Costs of Getting a Job

Candidates often pour significant time and resources into completing complex project assignments during the interview process. These tasks can take anywhere from a few hours to several days, requiring a lot of dedication and effort. For many, this feels like free work, especially when there's no guarantee of feedback or a job offer at the end.

Valuing a Candidate's Skills and Time

Respecting a candidate's time and skills is crucial, even in the early stages of hiring. By compensating candidates for their work, companies show they care about fair treatment and ethical hiring practices. This approach not only attracts top talent but also boosts the company's reputation.

While some argue these projects are necessary to assess skills in a real-world setting, it's important to consider alternative methods that don't exploit candidates. Employers do invest time and resources in hiring, but this doesn't justify unpaid labor. Paying for projects can prevent a transactional mindset and encourage genuine interest and commitment from candidates.

Real Examples Shared with Me Recently

• An aspiring graphic designer spent days creating a full branding proposal for a fashion retail company, only to never hear back after submitting her work. She felt used and undervalued.
• A software developer told me he spent over 20 hours on a prototype, only to find out the company chose a different approach. The lack of feedback and wasted effort left him feeling really down.

Looking for a Job? Here Are Some Tips to Ensure Your Interview Project Assignment Is Fair:

? Project-based tasks should be for candidates in the FINAL round and used to narrow down 2-3 candidates at most. This should be openly communicated.

? Make sure there's a written agreement stating your work won't be used if you're not chosen. Don't hesitate to ask for a contract to protect your intellectual property.

? You should be paid for your work on these interview tasks. Many companies are starting to do this, which is awesome.

? Tasks should be reasonable, with enough time to complete them, especially if you have a full-time job. Employers should clearly mention how much time to spend on each task.

? Companies should explain WHY they need you to do these tasks. If they want to assess your skills, they can just ask for an existing sample or portfolio.

Why This Matters

• Protect Yourself: Companies could use your project without hiring you. Setting clear expectations early protects your intellectual property and ensures your work isn't exploited.

If they can't provide these details or ask for too much free work, consider these red flags about what it might be like to work there.

Are You an Employer? Ethical Hiring Means Treating All Job Applicants Fairly and with Respect. Stick to These Standards:

Transparency: Clearly explain expectations, evaluation criteria, and timelines from the start of the interview process.

Fair Compensation: Pay for any work or projects assigned during the hiring process.

Respect for Time: Avoid excessive or unnecessary interview stages.

Constructive Feedback: Provide timely and helpful feedback to candidates.

Non-discrimination: Ensure fair and inclusive evaluation processes.

Are You an Employer? Consider Alternative Assessment Methods:

There are different ways to evaluate a candidate's skills without unpaid projects:

• Skills Assessments: Short, focused tests that evaluate specific job-relevant skills.
• Portfolio Reviews: Looking at a candidate's previous work can show you their abilities.
• Work Simulations: Paying candidates for a trial period to complete real tasks can be both fair and effective.

The issue of unpaid interview projects is a big deal in hiring today. Both job seekers and employers need to think about the ethical aspects. By adopting fair and open hiring processes, companies can build trust, attract talented candidates, and create a fairer workplace.

Are you a job seeker or an employer? Share your stories and thoughts on this!??

#ethicalhiring #candidateexperience #recruitmentethics #interviewredflags #faircompensation #careercoach