Working Up

by Dwayne Phillips

Beware – tests before hire are often a way to obtain free work from you.

I have been applying to freelance jobs recently as a writer. On occasion, job openings require taking a “test” such a:

• edit this text so we can determine if you are a qualified editor
• write a piece on this topic so we can determine if you are qualified to write for us

BEWARE: some “employers” sell they results of your test to their clients. I don’t know that is has happened to me. I have test edited a few papers that I thought were too long to determine my abilities. I have never written a trial piece for someone at no pay.

Here is a report on one company accused of selling test results to clients.

If a company wants to see something that you have already written and sold, fine. Point them to it. If a company wants to see something you have edited, that is a bit more complicated as the person who paid you for the editing may not want you to send that to others. Refer people to other people – these are called references and they still work.

Beware of any “test” that requires hours of work. It may be actual work for free.