Taking tests before interview

[shielamaeoh]

Hi, anyone on recruitment and candidate sourcing, please advise. I encountered clients who would require you to take a test/exam/sourcing exercise wherein you'll have to find 5, 10 or more profiles/resumes based on the job order they would give. They say to gauge my skills, etc. This is before an interview, no contract yet or payment. Do you accept this kind of setup? I was thinking it would be unfair to me, that I would already give them profiles before a contract is offered/given. What do you think?

[petra_r]

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@Shiela Mae O wrote:

Hi, anyone on recruitment and candidate sourcing, please advise. I encountered clients who would require you to take a test/exam/sourcing exercise wherein you'll have to find 5, 10 or more profiles/resumes based on the job order they would give. They say to gauge my skills, etc. This is before an interview, no contract yet or payment.

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 Flag the job, ticking the "Client asking for free work" choice  and move on.

[shielamaeoh]

Thank you Petra! 

[prestonhunter]

Sheila, what you describe sounds like one of the scammers we hear about who trick desperate freelancers into doing real work for free, and then they use that work for real clients they are working for, or for their own purposes. But they never intend to hire you. It is not even true test. Just free work.

So even if this was not a violation of Upwork TOS (which it is), I would not participate, because I know I would be wasting my time and would never get any actual money from this "client."

[shielamaeoh]

Thank you for your reply, Preston. I had second thoughts because the client looks good - has verified payment method, good ratings, and current hires as well. So, I submitted an application but when they asked for a test that's when I asked here in the community because I'm confused if it's okay or not.

I am frustrated that I encounter such a situation since I've been a Top Rated Freelancer for more than a year, and the experience I gained/have doing candidate sourcing work are clearly not something that I could just give away for free. 😞

[tinker_bell3]

Hi Sheila Mae,

Can you please send me a PM with the client's name or the job link so that I can check with the team. If you encounter any suspicious job, you can flag it using the flagging option. Please refer to the screenshot Petra shared. Please check out this thread as well for tips to avoid questionable jobs. Thanks!

[shielamaeoh]

Thank you for your reply, Joanne. I sent you a private message.