Presentations. Writing samples. Timed assignments. These have become standard parts of many hiring processes – and for good reason. They give hiring teams a real sense of how you think, how you communicate, and how you’ll show up in the role. Think of them as auditions. It’s not about being perfect – it’s about showing them what it would look like to work with you.
My advice: don’t let that work go to waste. Save every writing sample, presentation, or project you complete during your job search. Over time, you’re building a portfolio that you can reuse, refine, and repurpose. That sample proposal you put together for a role you didn’t get? It might land you the next one.
Yes – it can be a lot of work. And no, you’re not being paid for it. But here’s the reality: the company is going to hire someone who completes the assignment. If you don’t submit the requested work, you’re likely out of the running, regardless of how strong your resume is.
Of course, your time is valuable. Not every opportunity deserves hours of unpaid effort. That’s why you have to weigh how much you want (or need) the job. If it’s one you’re excited about – or one that could change your situation – it might be worth going all in.
Bottom line: if you’re asked to do a task as part of the hiring process, treat it like a chance to show off. Then hang onto it. You never know when it might come in handy again.