I was initially excited to interview with Salted Stone, as the role and company seemed like a great fit. However, my experience during the interview process left much to be desired. I was asked to complete a lengthy unpaid assignment, which involved creating a detailed marketing strategy for one of their clients. While I understand the importance of assessing skills, this task required significant time and effort. Not to mention, I was sick during this time so I should have been resting but I was working on a presentation with a very tight deadline. After submitting and presenting my work, I was informed they were still conducting interviews and would hear back first week of October (a full month since my presentation of the unpaid assignment). Despite knowing I wasn’t going to be chosen (I mean... hello0o0o0o it's been an entire 4 weeks), I reached out to inquire if a decision had been made. I was informed two days later that I was no longer being considered.... but to be honest, I doubt they hired anyone. A hiring process involving rolling interviews usually indicates a company isn’t serious about hiring. I was duped. It’s disheartening when companies request unpaid work from candidates while still actively interviewing others, as it can feel like a misuse of time and effort. I would strongly advise Salted Stone to reconsider this part of their process and implement better communication with candidates. If they need to see skills, surely a portfolio can suffice. Transparency and respect for applicants’ time are crucial, especially when asking for extensive work. To future candidates: be cautious of companies that request unpaid work without clear expectations or follow-up. It’s important to value your time and expertise.