All of these statements mean they want you to work for nothing.
- This will give you great exposure.
- I just want something to show the boss so he’ll hire you.
- Help us now and we’ll pay you when we get rolling.
- My job is on the line. Can you help?
- Let’s trade.
- You can get in on the ground floor of this exciting new business.
- I’ll pay you with shares in the company. (Ok, if it’s Apple or Samsung, say yes.)
- We just want to see what you can do.
- We just need a mock-up.
- How about I make you my partner?
- Do the work now and I’ll pay you at the end.
- Can I run by and pick your brain?
- Let’s just jump on a call with the team and toss some ideas around.
- We’ll build this cost into the next project we hire you for.
- My personal favourite: “This piece will be great for your portfolio.” Um, thanks. I guess you would know better than me what works for my portfolio.
