STYLETHREAD -- LET'S TALK SHOP!

XtinaStyles · Marc Jacobs

Potential Job wants me to submit reports to them!

kenzie · Chanel

I don't know if it's normal practice for what you do, but I know I'm not allowed to use anything in my writing and design portfolio that would be considered confidential information (annual reports, internal-only documents, etc). And a potential employer shouldn't even ask for that. That's really putting you on the spot and it's unfair. That sucks!

-- Edited by kenzie at 15:59, 2008-06-26

Aurora · Marc Jacobs

oh that is a tough one. I guess I'd ask if using Company ABC and Revenues/Figures of $XX dollars or X% would be ok. If not then I think you have to say no like you did. Have they replied to your initial reply?

Shello · Kenneth Cole

I'm not a lawyer, but I'm fairly certain it's illegal to give out information that could be considered confidential (like revenue information), unless the company who's report you are sending signs some of kind of waiver. I'm really surprised that they asked, and I would never consider that ethical. Is there any way they were confused by the type of work you do now? Could the HR person have not understand and asked you for the wrong thing?

XtinaStyles · Marc Jacobs

I don't know - they are a small company so maybe they are not versed with the legality of these things.

Also I have a feeling that it was someone's bright idea who has never worked with revenues or in finance. They wrote me back and said it would be fine to use things like 'ABC Company" and XXX. I find that jobs now a days don't believe anything I say. They probably think "this chick is lying" ya know? Another oppty wants me to come in for an Excel test on premises. I'm like bring it!

Suasoria · Chanel

I would make up a company and numbers - Acme Widget Co., sales $6 million, and so on. Just use an existing doc and change all the pertinent details.

boobaby · Kate Spade

An excel test? WTF? I always have lied about my computer knowledge because I figure any idiot can figure it out quickly. Luckily, I'm well versed in most commonly used office software now. wink

blubirde · Chanel

As a lawyer, I get asked for writing samples (if/when I'm job-hunting) and it's a totally accepted practice. It's expected that I'd change all the pertinent information because no law firm or lawyer would ever give out client information.

Mainly they just want to look at your communication via whatever medium skills.

Good luck on the job!

Dizzy · Marc Jacobs

It sounds like they're asking you to risk your current career and reputation in order to respond to some dopey, uneducated, "Wouldn't it be great if we were REALLY sure about her," proposal from someone who probably shouldn't even be involved in the hiring process, if he or she doesn't know the privacy regulations already.

I know you didn't ask for this advice, but I am compelled: Maybe try to get EVERYTHING these people tell you in writing? Signed? Before you agree to do anything else for them? They just sound like amateurs who don't realize what they're asking for, and that can spell trouble for a talented professional who's trying to land a better opportunity. If they don't really know what they're asking, they're more likely to reflect critically on what you provide them. It's something I've seen with a lot of friends getting into consulting.

I think overall, maybe, also please be careful with a small company. Sometimes they act like they're really into you and they tell you that you're just PERFECT for what they want, in order to get you to do things for them for free. Sometimes cocky small business owners get into this idea of, "We're growing - this is an opportunity for the little people just to be around us!" mode, and they don't think they have to pay their bills.

It's crap, and they hurt people on the way up. Whatever you do has value, and that should be recognized, every single time. Don't ever do work on spec, with this attitude of, "I hope you like this!" It just devalues you in their eyes and it's hard to recover from that. They can pay what you're worth or they can find someone else. It's hard to stick to that position, but the company who makes you feel guilty for standing up for yourself is NOT worth your time.

jacL · Coach

My BF was once asked to submit sales when he interviewed with a very large, well-known pharmaceutical company. We both thought it was weird, but I really don't know anything about that kind of business since I am in a completely different field, and this was his first interview of the sort. It just seemed totally wrong to him, but he blacked out any pertinent details and showed the documents at the interview but didn't let the company keep them. Even if this happened to him again, I still don't think he would know the appropriate course of action.

What did you end up doing?

XtinaStyles · Marc Jacobs

I ended up sending them two docs with "ABC COMPANY" and silly revenues like $1, $2, $3.

In excel, you can't really understand much but, but I wrote a paragraph giving the gist of the info (ex: "historical sales are viewed and evaluated to determine growth rates"). I felt like I was really cornered to share it with them and I don't think I'd do it again.

I considered why they were asking for the info and whether they were using me. They might get some tips on how to analyze their sales with those two docs but its not like they're a competitor of ours or even in the same industry.

I am thinking its bc jobs really dont believe you are honest on interviews and in resumes. The irony of this whole thing is that I currently work for a background checking company and am probably one of THE most honest, up front people you'll ever interview. I don't do well with lying and it certainly would do me no good to overembellish my skills.

Oh wells.