It's all just a work sample
Clara is overjoyed: A top law firm offers her a position as a patent attorney candidate. The salary in the draft contract is, however, below the market rate – Clara is puzzled. Nevertheless, two days later, she writes to the HR manager that she would happily accept the position. Who knows whether such an opportunity will arise again? The HR manager’s answer blows Clara away: “We do not want to offer you a position. The document sent was only a draft contract for viewing, without our signature.” When asked why she was suddenly no longer wanted, Clara is told: “If you work for us, you must charge clients at least 350 euros an hour. That requires a certain business mindset. If you don’t even demand a market-based salary for yourself, then you probably won’t do so on behalf of the law firm either.”
Of all types of interview questions, work samples provide the employer with the best information about your fit with the position.
Something as important as an employment contract should always be in the correct written form. That was Clara’s technical error. She also disregarded a principle that applies to the entire application process – every step is a work sample. Advocating for a market-based salary is not greed but shows your future employer that you will confidently represent their interests.
We know the classic examples of such hidden work samples from films: the quirky doorman is the first test of whether your manners are polite. I was put to the test myself when I was invited to an interview after an open application. When I wanted to know what kind of position we were discussing, I was told that this would only be addressed towards the end of the interview – a test of how I would deal with this uncertainty. You will experience such tests again and again. The simple reason: Of all types of interview questions, work samples provide the employer with the best information about your fit with the position.
Does the employer call you without prior notice to clarify a few key points in your application? Simply ask yourself how you would react in a similar situation in your new job. This will reduce stress and make it clear which tactics you should choose. A good strategy for the case of an unexpected call from the employer is to apologize for your indisposition and arrange a time when you can talk without being disturbed.
This article was first published in Nachrichten aus der Chemie (issue 07-2024). See here the German original.