Sometimes you're gonna get asked to do test projects for new jobs.

Here's a real example of an inappropriate way to ask candidates for test work. //:

2/ Two friends working at a company I loved called me when a Director Of Social job opened up last year - they wanted to put me up for it.

I applied, they sent nice reco letters to the boss, was pretty amped. Job's in a cool industry I'd always wanted to break into.

3/ My first time hearing from the company: the below email from their head of product.

Pretty standard for the most part. Hi, hello, notes on the role. On the right, you'll see some questions they asked on how I'd do that job. This is where it gets hairy.

4/ Let's look at the Qs again.

Q1 & Q4? Totally reasonable.

But asking how I'd approach consolidation + social distro? Brand voice? Those are deep exercises & always contextual to the brand. V strange to ask that in their very 1st email, especially without even an intro call.

5/ My concerns with that email:

- they're asking for work before even saying hello
- they're asking for real work, which they could easily take & use for free
- asking for that depth of work so casually is odd. Is there a lack of understanding? Off expectations? Something else?

Some general job interview test project rules:

If a company asks for a test project, it should be FICTIONAL: a fake project they can't profit on.

If a company asks for a test project on real / client work, it should be a PAID FREELANCE TEST. No discounts. You deserve your rate.

7/ here's how I replied to that first email.

- talked about my love for them
- clarified some thoughts on his Qs
- offered a solution: examples of exp
- requested a get-to-know-you call

Wanted to at least say hey & hear a voice before I put pen to paper.

8/ Oddly enough, he doubled down.

Declined a call, offered me test KPIs, & asked me again to provide the answers, over email, without even a chat.

Not cool. Not appropriate. The hiring process is a two-way street: candidate comfort matters.

9/ Here's how I replied to the 2nd request for work.

- more explicitly asked for hello call
- more explicitly gave concerns w/ request
- offered solution: walk thru various exercises
- reiterated my interest

Anddd I was ghosted!
Which, fine - this was a telling experience.