Job‑hunting can be a right slog—especially when you pour hours into a “sample” task, only to have the job vanish and never hear a peep back. Lately I’ve noticed a nasty trend across copywriting, design, customer‑service and admin roles: companies asking for unpaid work under the guise of recruitment, then ghosting everyone once they’ve hoovered up the content. Here’s how to keep your time (and sanity) intact.
What’s “Spec” Work Abuse, Anyway?
Basically, you see a vacancy, you’re asked to submit an original piece—be it a blog post, a logo concept or a handful of customer emails—and then… nothing. The listing disappears, everyone’s “rejected” and the company walks away with your free labour.
I’ve seen it happen to writers producing full posts, designers creating polished mock‑ups, even customer‑service applicants drafting reply templates—only for the role to evaporate overnight.
Why It Feels Legit
On the face of it, a short test does make sense. A 20‑minute writing prompt in an interview? Fair enough. But ask for a multi‑hour blog or campaign plan with no pay or contract, and alarm bells should be ringing. Unfortunately, the line between a genuine trial and content‑harvesting abuse is paper‑thin.
Red Flags You Can’t Ignore
No mention of pay or a formal agreement for your sample.
Vague briefs (“Write a 1,500‑word blog about…”) with no clear goals.
Disappearing adverts—the role vanishes once you submit, or pops up under a new title.
Multiple unpaid rounds—one short test is normal; three detailed tasks is exploitative.
Zero company info—no website, generic email addresses or unverifiable recruiter profiles.
How to Protect Your Time and Ideas
Ask up front: “Will this be paid?” and “How will my work be used if I’m not selected?”
Limit the ask: Propose an outline or 200‑word sample instead of the whole shebang.
Watermark or partial files: Share low‑resolution images or cropped text excerpts.
Suggest a small paid contract: “I’d be happy to do a brief paid project first.”
Vet the business: Check LinkedIn, Glassdoor or company registration details.
Tell your network: Share your experience in groups or on your blog—this public pressure helps deter abusers.
Fair Alternatives to Full‑Blown Spec Tasks
What to Offer |
Why It Works |
|---|---|
Outline or Moodboard |
Shows your approach without delivering everything |
Timed Exercise |
A 20–30‑minute test showcases skills under pressure |
Process Discussion |
Talk through a case study in an interview |
Mini Paid Trial |
Agree a small, paid piece before bigger work |
These let you prove your worth without giving away entire blog series or design portfolios.
Final Thoughts
Unpaid spec work might feel like “just part of the process,” but when it becomes a way to leech free labour, it’s nothing short of a scam. By learning to spot the red flags, setting clear boundaries and insisting on fair treatment, you’ll safeguard your time, protect your ideas and only work with people who truly value your expertise.
Have you been caught out by spec‑work abuse? Drop your story in the comments below and let’s spread awareness so no one else falls for these deceptive tactics.
© 2025 Marlena Pakula. All Rights Reserved.
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