[scrumper]

Consider it a very short work sample test? I don't think it's particularly unethical; if anything it's better for you to be demonstrating your expertise for real rather than figuring out how to get chickens and foxes over a river.

[LanceH]

If they aren't actually hiring, it's definitely unethical.

[mnw21cam]

What costs more - hiring a consultant for a few hours, or putting out a proper job advert, organising the logistics for handling submitted applications, sorting through the candidates, choosing several, receiving them at interview, booking a suitable room, and possibly covering their travel costs?

I would imagine that in quite a few situations, the consultant would be cheaper.

[LanceH]

I agree completely with everything you just said, except...

Except that I've seen it happen. The only thing I can think is that all the costs you describe are pushed to another group in the corporation.

[mnw21cam]

My first job interview went like this. They had a specific problem that they wanted to solve, and asked me how I would do it. I gave my answer (solving the problem for them), and they offered me the job, so I got to spend the next six months implementing my suggestion.

[LanceH]

I had a rather lengthy interview process for a one time contract doing some technical documentation. I explained what docs I would provide, how they would be organized and an example of the main docs being used. They ate it all up, and decided to use my stuff as templates using current staff after offering and then rescinding the job.

At the time I decided against pursuing any action against them because I wanted to look ahead to the next opportunity. In retrospect, I should have billed them for my work which they were using.