The interview process started off okay, but it took a disappointing turn. During the first interview, I sensed a red flag when HR asked for my salary expectations but did not disclose the company's budget, stating that they didn't have one yet or were working on it. I tried to decline sharing my salary expectations but they insisted.
After another round of interviews, I was then asked to complete a final comprehensive marketing project, which included creating two social media posts, a detailed blog, and two email templates—all for free. After multiple follow-ups, the company finally informed me that there was a role change that is taking them to re-evaluate the Marketing department. Meaning, they will no longer be hiring for this role.
With over 330 applicants and such a detailed project request, I find it hard to believe that this re-evaluation was genuinely the reason (or at least, the company may have had prior knowledge and did not inform candidates). While I understand that not all work can be compensated, putting candidates through an extensive project only to later dismiss their efforts without even a courtesy call is highly unprofessional.
For future reference: if you do not have the budget or capacity for a role, please refrain from requesting free work from candidates. Our work and portfolios should be sufficient for evaluation, or at least compensate us for our time and effort before deciding to ghost us.
