Been asked to do a presentation for a job trial, looked on their social media and I am writing their next “big” post for them for free

[Joined4this]

I am a little annoyed. Been underpaid for a year due to covid, leading to me working long hours which has affected my health badly so looking around. One great company has shown a lot of interest and asked me to write a presentation on an unpaid trial basis for interview.

When browsing their social media, I see that next month’s topic will be the topic they’ve asked me to present on. They are just trying to get free labour aren’t they?

It hard to know. We often get someone to present on something we have been working on recently I guess just because
a) it's an important issue to us
And
b) it's going to be at the forefront of our minds when we plan and interview and we often have fairly limited planning time available

Without a doubt. This happens a lot!

Not just free labour, if there is an actual post free and you might be hired to fill it. But certainly it's also free labour. I imagine that all candidates for the post would be asked to do the same, and the company could then use parts of your collective effort. Unless it's just you applying?

How much work would go into this presentation?

I take that on board forcedfun but It’s a VERY small business. I can’t back out as I’ve promised to do it but I am almost certain they are going to use my work. Just disappointed is all.

There are multiple candidates you are right

Yes, this is a thing sadly. I’ve known people who fake interview candidates, asking them to prepare a bid/policy/presentation for the interview, only for nobody to be appointed but for the intellectual property of someone else to be stolen. So immoral.

You retain the intellectual copyright for your work

This explains it well

www.gov.uk/intellectual-property-an-overview/protect-your-intellectual-property

I make my final slide say
Any questions (or use something more creative if you're in a creative industry) and then
Copyright retained and then use a c with a circle round it
Content may not be copied, distributed or published in any form without the permission of the owner.

I keep it up whilst people ask questions.

That’s a great idea @underneaththeash. The problem is, it’s a company I like, admire and with great values so I REALLY don’t want any conflict or drama. I might just do the work and see it as a lesson learned. Very tempted to do the intellectual property thing though!

I think any company who had an issue with you protecting your copyright isn’t one you want to work for.
Someone may have been asked to pick an interview presentation topic and as this one is in the offing it’s what sprung to mind, plus it might be something they know about in depth so easy for them to tell if you know your stuff
Of course it might be more sinister

Maybe they're planning use the presentation from the person who gets offered the job? As in congratulations, you did a great interview, we'd like to use your presentation for our next event...

Just watermark the slides ?

Definitely copyright the slides...

Look at it as practice.

If they're a good company, then should be legit. If not, swerved a bullet.

Thanks for the suggestions some very good ideas here.

I always have candidates do this in interviews. It’s because we want someone who can perform and do the work for us that’s really timely and topical. More than likely, the person doing that social media campaign is on the interview panel and will be key to assessing your fit for the role. We have definitely never used anyone’s work (most candidates presentations are pretty shit to be honest, it’s mostly to see how people can engage with the topic and respond to criticism and also their presenting skills).

This sort of thing is rife. My DD had a job interview at a Michelin starred restaurant in a country house hotel. She had to work 2 x 8 hour shifts as part of her interview process. She was never paid for this.

I’ve just had a presentation guidelines email which states that this presentation will be used n the company site so they are being upfront about it. I really don’t know what to do now. That’s incredibly cheeky.

@Joined4this

I’ve just had a presentation guidelines email which states that this presentation will be used n the company site so they are being upfront about it. I really don’t know what to do now. That’s incredibly cheeky.

Send them a quote by return ?

i was once asked to write a learning plan. wasnt given the job but my learning plan was used 🙄🙄

@Kuachui that’s pretty bad. Dod you say anything about it to them?

I have terrible F.O.G which I am sure they are playing on as well- they are a really highly thought of company who are doing great things etc etc

This is standard practice on magazines. When they run out of ideas for features they advertise a post and ask candidates to suggest ideas for the next three months.

Oh no that’s just wrong@mdh2020

@joined4this No but only because i found out like 4 months after due to knowing someone who worked there, if i had of knowm right after being rejected i would have refused them access to the plan as i had spent a lot of time on it and could have been planning on using it for another job interview or something :D

That’s pretty low of them. In a way, I have slightly more respect for this company being honest about their intentions, rather than underhand. I still haven’t decided how to deal with it though.

@Kuachui maybe we should watermark all future presentations.

If you'd love to work there, I don't see the problem? Just WOW them with your absolute brilliance.

It's slightly cheeky of them maybe, but it's also a chance for you to impress them and get a job there.

Your brilliance is unlimited, so however much of it you give them will soon be replaced.