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Protecting your IP: How to navigate submitting work samples without the fear of being ghosted

Job Search, Tips

 

Protecting your work

Congratulations, you are now at the stage in the interview where someone is requesting to see your work. This person is either a representative of the company or very close to the project that you are working on. Regardless, of who it is and at what level they are within the company, you need to ensure that you are able to protect your intellectual property so that your work doesn’t fall into hands that won’t compensate you for it.

Is it common for employers to ask for samples of work?

In the past few years, it has become increasingly common for employers to ask applicants for samples of work, projects, or to create case studies, etc. in the interview process as a way to differentiate you from other potential hires

Unfortunately, at the same time employers are asking for samples, they are not providing follow-up or feedback for submission, and some frankly “ghost” candidates. On more than one occasion, candidates have seen their submissions implemented within the company without so much as a credit or a mention.

Protect Yourself: Here are some tips on how to handle sample submissions through the job hunting process:

  • Anonymize your “ what” and “ who or/ whom”
    • Use dummy data for display and blur the company name.
  • When asked to share samples of work, especially, If your work sample is private, internal, or sensitive in nature, do not send or share over email.
    • Simply state that you would prefer to present your sample in person or set up a video chat via Skype, Zoom, or any other teleconference
      • Reason: You would prefer to walk through your work, the methodology, and to provide guided context
    • If there is resistance or pushback with you not sending your work via email in lieu of a more effective way to share your work and to  get you in front of decision makers – then it is up to you to decide 

2.  If your work is public facing:

  • Display your work on your website. Make sure to create PDF’s of articles, reviews, watermark photos and videos, and link to platforms that you actively manage. 

Good Luck, Get credit and Get compensated for your work