Writer and colleague relaxing by a volcano in the Philippines.

This writer has zero f*cks to give for startup’s job application

Recently, I relocated and began checking out job opportunities in my new city. I came across a startup that is a two-minute walk from my house and had an opening for a content writer.

Intrigued and enticed by the possibility of a short commute (whenever WFH ends), I began the application process and found it was all pretty straightforward — until it got weird about halfway through the application form page when I found several requests to write copy for the company.

My regular blog readers know how annoying I find it when writers applying for jobs are asked to write as part of a startup’s (and it’s always a startup) company recruitment.

I always want to respond with: “What? Why? Aren't my college degrees, my writing samples, my numerous links to my online publications, my published book, my resume, and my multiple human references good enough for you?”

But I don’t respond this way, because usually, I want the job I’m applying for, and making a point is way down my list of wants — well after eating and sleeping in a dry, comfortable bed. However, this time would be different.

Calling B.S. on this unfair and unnecessary practice