Fair hiring practices aren’t just a “nice to have.” They are the foundation for building strong, loyal teams. Lately, I’ve seen countless stories from creative professionals including writers, designers, video editors, and marketers who have been offered what looked like a great opportunity, only to discover it was a request for hours or days of unpaid work.
A strong portfolio and years of experience should be proof enough of someone’s abilities. A short skills test is fine, but anything that feels like a full project without pay crosses the line from evaluation into exploitation. When businesses ignore fair hiring practices, they risk losing talented people before the first interview is even finished.
How unpaid “assessments” hurt businesses and candidates
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The idea of a “trial project” sounds harmless until you realize it’s often unpaid and overly time-consuming. Candidates spend hours completing these assignments, hoping it will lead to a job offer, only to be ghosted with no feedback.
For businesses, this approach sends the wrong message. It tells candidates their time and skills are not valued. That damages the company’s reputation and makes it harder to attract great talent in the future. Paying for any meaningful work not only respects the candidate but also reflects a company’s integrity.
Setting realistic job expectations builds stronger teams
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Fair hiring practices also mean writing job descriptions that are clear and realistic. Too many listings read like a wish list for a “unicorn” candidate with multiple degrees, ten years of experience, and mastery of several specialized tools, all for entry-level pay.
When companies create job postings that are transparent and specific, they attract candidates who are both qualified and excited to apply. Separating “must-have” skills from “nice-to-have” skills helps ensure expectations are realistic and fair.
Respect and communication are your competitive advantage
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Good communication is a key part of ethical hiring. Even if you don’t choose a candidate, taking a few minutes to send a short, respectful message leaves a positive impression. People remember how you treated them during the hiring process, and word travels fast.
Fair hiring practices are more than just an HR policy. They are a way to build trust from the very first interaction. When companies respect someone’s time, experience, and creativity, they don’t just fill positions. They build teams that stay.
Just a thought
Respecting experience and embracing fair hiring practices is not only the right thing to do, it’s also smart business. Pay for the work you request. Set realistic expectations. Communicate openly. The result is a team of people who believe in your mission and are committed to helping your business succeed.
Feature photo Photo by Hitesh Choudhary on Unsplash
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