I applied for a Marketing Director role and met with the hiring manager. During the interview, I was asked to complete a 1,500‑word marketing plan as a test assignment. I was also told there would be one to two additional interviews after that. I felt uncomfortable with the request for several reasons: - A full marketing plan is a major component of the actual job responsibilities - A real plan cannot be meaningfully developed in just a few days - It created a potential conflict with my current role - There was no protection against the company using my ideas for free Despite these concerns, I completed the assignment because I was genuinely interested in the role. After submitting the marketing plan, I never received a thank‑you, feedback, or any further communication from the hiring manager. I understand that candidates get ghosted during hiring processes — it happens — but asking someone to produce a detailed strategic plan and then disappearing without acknowledgment felt unprofessional. In my opinion, requesting extensive unpaid work without serious intent to continue the process is an unethical hiring practice. Based on this experience, I would not apply for a role at this company again.