Work (for free) even before you interview

I've come across a very worrying trend: working (for free) even before interviewing for a position.

Recently, a friend asked me to support a job application of his, as he needed to prove that he has a network in the field I work in. He's a lovely guy, and good at his work, so I agreed and passed on my CV. Shortly afterwards, he let me know that he had pulled back from the application, because the organization he had applied for had sent him a list of questions to answer - as part of the selection process - which was around a task list for 6 months of work.

This organization then contacted me - as they had my CV - for a talk. I always try to keep all doors open, and although I don't have time for new larger projects at the moment, you never know what may come up down the road. Note that I didn't know what exactly I had applied for, nor have any information on the conditions of the position. In the first few minutes of the talk, I tried to find out what exactly the position would be, and whether it would be compatible with the time I have available. I received rather vague answers, but instead got interviewed for an hour. Alarm bells ringing after my friend's story from before, I was careful with what information I was sharing. I requested to find out more about what exactly is on offer.

Shortly afterwards, I received a message to ask whether I'd be willing to answer some written questions - and that information on the "contract" would follow afterwards. The tone got nastier when I replied that I'm happy to provide input once I know what the job is like, and whether the conditions would work with what I offer…

Worryingly, I've had a simliar experience over a year ago. Although not this blatantly exploitative, I at the time wondered whether to complete a written task - which required a day of research and work - for a position that I had applied for. At the time I really wanted the position, and the task came at the end of the interview process. I was also willing to "work pro bono" for one day for this organization and for the cause, even if not offered the position in the end (I was). But even then, I wondered how convenient it is for an organization to "interview" 20 candidates, and save a few week's worth of work this way.

It's very sad to know that many people are so desperate for jobs that they will fulfill these tasks, in the hope to get a position. Which, to be paranoid, may not even exist? Or be paid so poorly that no-one would accept? Strategically, a brilliant move for an organization, which hopes to reap free manpower. In the long run, I hope that all such organizations get shamed and that these stories spread, as this is simply pure deceit towards applicants, no matter what the motivations of the organization is. They may not have funds, and are hoping to build expertise, even hoping to hire some staff this way. They may be working for the most worthy cause ever.

But NOT like this.