How to Politely Decline Unpaid Work During a Job Interview
I will be honest; I have been guilty of this in the past. Back when I was a ghostwriter, I regularly did free samples to showcase my skill as a writer. Looking back on it, I feel a little embarrassed at how much work I did for free. The silver lining that I took from it is that I can now help you make sure that you don’t make the same mistakes I did.
Saying no is something that is so powerful. As a psychology student, I can assure that saying no is a full sentence. However, many of us have FOMO (fear of missing out) and because of FOMO, we actually cave and do something that we do not want to do. We often are made to feel like we are obliged to do this free work.
For those of you are sceptical that this is a common occurrence, I did a LinkedIn poll that can be found here where 52% of participants have experienced some form of interviews where you might be asked to do some work for free.
When you suspect that you are being asked to preform unpaid work, go through the next steps to best handle this situation.
Understand the Request - Are You Actually Being Ask for Free Work?
Before you respond to any request for unpaid work, it's essential to fully understand what is being asked of you. Clarify the scope of the task, the expected time commitment, and the purpose behind it. Sometimes, these requests may be legitimate and related to the evaluation process. Other times, they might be attempts to exploit your skills without compensation. When you are in a stressful situation and are not expecting something like this, it can be a genuine misunderstanding and so repeat back the request to them to ensure that you are clear in your own head what exactly is happening.
Research the Company's Policies - Is There a Precedent for Free Work During Interviews?
Research the company's policies and values regarding unpaid work. Many reputable organisations have clear guidelines against requesting unpaid work during the interview process. Check their website, employee reviews, or reach out to current or former employees for insights into the company's hiring practices. This information can be valuable when deciding how to respond to a request. Naturally, this can be hard to be done on the spot if you are in an interview and so preparation is key. If in your line of work, it’s quite common or that you have a highly desired skill, it may be prudent to make sure that you research the company’s policy for requesting unpaid work during the interview process.
Politely Express Your Concerns - Give Your Interviewer an Out
If you're uncomfortable with a request for unpaid work, express your concerns to the interviewer in a polite and respectful manner. You can say something like, "I appreciate the opportunity to interview for this position, and I'm excited about the role. However, I have some concerns about the request for unpaid work. Could you please provide more information about how this task relates to the interview process and how it aligns with the company's policies on compensation?" Your interviewer may not have realised that they have in fact asked for free work and may have become swept away in the moment. Alternatively, by being upfront and honest about your concerns, you may be seeing what the actual culture of the company really is.
Suggest Alternatives - No Is a Full Sentence
If you are willing to demonstrate your skills but are uncomfortable with unpaid work, propose alternatives that showcase your abilities. For example, you could offer to share a portfolio of your previous work, participate in a skills-based assessment, or provide references who can speak to your capabilities. I have personally done this plenty of this. I have spoken to many freelancers and contractors who have used various programmes to protect their IP. Many have clauses on their portfolios that if their work from their portfolio is used, that they agree to be charged X amount. These clauses serve to dissuade many underhand companies from stealing your IP. You can also use watermarks etc. to protect your IP.
Set Boundaries - Know Your Worth in an Interview
It's essential to establish boundaries during the interview process to protect your time and expertise. Politely let the interviewer know what you are comfortable with and the extent to which you are willing to go to showcase your skills. For example, you can say, "I'd be happy to discuss my previous experiences and share relevant work examples during the interview, but I cannot commit to completing a project without compensation." It is important to remember that you are also interviewing the company. They have a problem that needs to be solved and you are potentially the solution to that problem. You are not at the total mercy of this company.
Consider the Company Culture - Do You Want to Work Here?
Assess the company culture during the interview process. If the request for unpaid work is a red flag and indicates a broader issue with the company's values or practices, you might want to reconsider whether this is the right organisation for you. Remember that a respectful and ethical interview process is often indicative of a healthy work environment.
Seek Legal Advice - Know Your Rights
In some cases, it may be necessary to seek legal advice if you believe a company is violating employment laws by requesting unpaid work during the interview process. Consult with a lawyer who specialises in employment law to understand your rights and options. Many lawyers and solicitors have services where they can offer to send a cease-and-desist letters if your work looks like it may be stolen in the interview process.
Conclusion - Slow and Steady Wins the Race
While job interviews can be intimidating, it's crucial to remember that you should never feel pressured to do free work as part of the process. Protect your time, skills, and value by understanding the request, researching the company's policies, and expressing your concerns politely. By setting boundaries and considering the company culture, you can navigate interview situations with confidence and integrity. Ultimately, finding the right employer who values your skills and compensates you appropriately is worth the effort.
