It seems that small services companies like Tresca, who doesn’t have much experience or competency in brand marketing and communication (as evident from its presence) have adopted a questionable practice of using interviews as a means to gather free consulting services from experienced candidates, exploiting hopeful applicants under the promise of potential employment. By assigning extensive, project-level tasks under the guise of an interview, they are potentially benefiting from valuable insights and strategies without offering any compensation. This approach not only devalues the time and expertise of skilled professionals but also undermines the integrity of the interview process. I was interviewed for a marketing role, and they gave me a questionnaire that was essentially a complete project consultation and strategic advice on deeply specific business problems. In a normal market scenario, such a roadmap, solutioning, and advice would fetch thousands of dollars. Regardless, I spent two days creating a 42-slide presentation. After receiving it, the HR conveniently ghosted me and didn’t contact me further. I believe that, under the guise of interviews, HR collects free solutions and advisory from experienced candidates to use for either their own or their clients’ projects. Tresca clearly lacks digital, brand or marketing presence despite being a 2002 company, as evident from their website and other communications. They don't have inhouse capabilities so they are exploiting the time, effort, and expertise of experienced candidates (15+ years) for their own benefit and strategic direction.