Many individuals at this point in time desperately need a job. Many more are looking towards the future and trying to get a role within Web3, blockchain and crypto related entities. As a result hiring managers and crypto recruiters have no shortage of candidates. #HiringMangers and #CryptoRecruiters also already have a great job. They are being duly compensated for their "time." Whether or not you get the job, or the interview process takes a couple weeks; they are doing just fine. Hiring managers and recruiters far too often do not consider the length of interviews and number of rounds within the "interview process; as well as the impact of requiring projects from candidates during the interview process. While this may seem like a necessary step in the evaluation process, it can lead to frustration and unethical practices that stretch for a matter of weeks to even months. Candidates want to impress; are trying their best; and they believe in their heart the longer the process, the closer to employment they become. If you spend any time on "LinkedIn," it is clear to see that many prospective candidates have expressed frustration with investing time and effort into a project or role, only to be rejected for the position. In an increasing number of instances, their ideas are utilized without compensation or recognition. This not only leads to ethical concerns, but also harms the reputation of said hiring firm/company. It amputates the "hope" potential candidates have who are giving their all, trying to illustrate their worth/value, only to be left high, dry and demoralized. Business Anthropology suggests asking the right questions during the interview process to evaluate candidates. Get all the key decision makers involved from the onset; no reason to drag the process out into 3 or 4 interview rounds. If a project is deemed necessary for a candidate to illustrate their proficiency, be upfront about it in the job advertisement and provide compensation or accept prior work.
For candidates who feel pressured to provide a project/solution, or try to go above and beyond; it is important to protect yourself. You can do so by requesting compensation for your work and sharing a freelance rate. While projects may seem like a necessary step in the interview process, they are not. Your experience and record; coupled with your ability to answer their questions is enough. Be sure to properly "vet" and research the companies you are applying to and the recruiters you are working with. Do they keep posting the same jobs every 30 days; or keep posting different jobs, but yet the number of people working for said company never increases? Many corporations at this time have absolutely NO INTENSION of hiring anyone; they want to evaluate their candidacy pools and pick your brains at worst to procure free work at best. They want to appear to be building and growing at a faster rate then they really are. Your efforts to "dazzle" play right into this predatory practice taking place. It costs a hiring manager and recruiter little or nothing to run you around and around; know when to say "when." Hiring managers and recruiters should consider alternative evaluation methods or provide compensation for candidate's time and effort. Candidates can protect themselves by requesting compensation, preparing a portfolio, adding a copyright notice, and providing a brief outline of their approach to the project. As a candidate if you provide the milk, there is no reason to invest in the cow. Know your worth; and even in times when you desperately may need the position; do not be afraid to speak up and out. Your time is just as precious and valuable as those who are recruiting and hiring.