What should you do if a job you’re interviewing for requires unpaid work?

What should you do if a job you're interviewing for requires unpaid work?

During the hiring process, potential employers may ask you to complete unpaid work to further evaluate your abilities. While this practice is more common in certain industries, it’s important that you understand the employer’s expectations to determine if the request fits your commitments before you accept the assignment. It may be perfectly reasonable for companies to ask a prospective hire to show their skills in practice. For example, writers often need to create a sample piece and complete a test to assess basic knowledge of grammar and style rules.

High-level positions may also require proposals or presentations throughout the interview process as candidates vie for a well-compensated senior role. It’s a delicate balance to take on extra work just to interview for a position, but if a job you’re interviewing for requires unpaid work — what should you do? Here are some suggestions to help you if you encounter this request during an interview.

Decide if the request is reasonable

First, consider the employer’s request to determine if it’s a valid task to assess your abilities. Weigh the employer’s expectations with the time it will take to complete the work. Completing a sample assignment that requires an hour or two of your time is usually worth it to prove your value as a job candidate. However, if the employer is asking for a complex series of assignments that could take hours, it may not be in your best interest to divert so much time from your current responsibilities or job search without getting compensated.

If the request seems too much, try meeting the employer halfway. Offer to show them samples of previous projects. Be honest and tell them you’re concerned that you don’t have the time to complete the lengthy project with excellence. Ask if they’d be willing to evaluate you based on one part of the task instead of the entire project. Jonathan Rick from The Jonathan Rick Group suggests explaining to employers how you’d hypothetically complete the project as a way to show your knowledge.

Approach the request with an open mind

If the task is reasonable, consider it a chance to show your talents. Rick encourages job seekers to look at the request as an opportunity instead of a burden. Proving your qualifications through actions can also help if you don’t feel confident after a verbal interview. Even if you don’t get the job, you can form connections by asking for constructive feedback about your assessment. Since employers already have an idea of your abilities, they may put you at the top of their list for go-to candidates if another position opens.

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Research your industry

Industries use different hiring processes to meet the challenges and complexities within a given field. It’s important to understand your industry before your interview, so you know what task an employer may reasonably ask you to complete. For example, academic roles often require demonstrations, especially at the instructor level. Consider joining an online or in-person networking group to ask others about their experiences. You may even find a mentor who can help guide you through the application process for a role that requires extended evaluations.

Determine the type of assignment

If you’re asked to complete an assignment or undergo unpaid training as part of a job interview, learn as much as you can about the task. Prospective employers may request a specific type of work to evaluate your qualifications as a job candidate. Finding out what kind of assignment you’re expected to complete can give you an idea of the time commitment to expect.

Some types of pre-hiring assessments include:

Writing assignments
Timed tests
Presentations
Outlines
Proposals
Plans
Sample budgets
Demonstrations
Example content
Training programs

“Setting your limits before you begin an interview can help you make decisions when faced with extra assessments.”

Clarify an employer’s expectations

When an employer asks you to complete unpaid work, like an assignment, training, or assessment, read the request carefully. Ask key questions to understand more about the employer’s expectations and evaluative process, such as:

How will my work be used after I complete it?
Is this work used solely for evaluative purposes?
Why is this task a necessary part of the interview process?
How long will I have to complete the assignment?
Who can I contact if I have questions while working on the assignment?
Will you give me feedback after I complete the assignment?
Is there another evaluation after this step in the process?

Know what you can handle

Setting your limits before you begin an interview can help you make decisions when faced with extra assessments. Rick emphasizes that your response is a personal choice based on your current circumstances. Chances are, if you really want the job, you’re willing to work a little harder to get it. You also don’t want potential employers to take advantage of your time and skills if you’re not getting compensated.

If a prospective job requires a reasonable task as part of the evaluation process, estimate the time you need to complete the project and decide if you want to move forward with the assigned work.

Decide if you can ask for compensation

If you truly feel passionate about applying for the position but want more from your time investment, consider if it’s worth asking for compensation. Make your request clear but reasonable, stating you’ll need to work for a certain number of hours to complete the project to the highest possible standard. Explain that you’re excited about the job opportunity but, due to prior commitments, you’re unable to complete the request without setting aside extra hours beyond the scope of your career.

Consider how you’ll respond if the employer says no to your request for compensation. Try reaching a compromise to show you still feel your time is valuable. Some companies offer a nominal fee to applicants who make it further into the hiring process, using the paid assignment to choose the best candidate for the position.

Allow yourself to walk away

Prepare yourself to walk away from the job opportunity. Although you may not make it any further as a job candidate if you refuse an assignment, it may save you from working for a company with unreasonable expectations for its employees. Look for red flags like asking for work without giving you a reasonable amount of time to complete it. When a potential employer assigns you a complex task, they should give you a realistic timeline to produce excellent work. If you feel a prospective employer is asking for too much, consider withdrawing your application.

The key to handling unpaid work during the hiring process is to think about what you’re willing to do to get the job. It’s also important to understand what’s normal for your industry so you can spot companies that may try to get free work from candidates.

If a company makes a reasonable request for sample work to test your skills, weigh your options and ask questions to clarify exactly why the employer wants you to complete unpaid work. Many companies want to make sure they hire the right person. A work sample can help you prove that you’re it if it’s justified. Maybe it’s your chance to shine.