Q: I completed a very detailed job application two weeks ago.  As part of the process, I had to answer a question detailing how I would go about raising money for this particular organization.  In my strategy submission, I included specific names and organizations because I thought it would impress my prospective employer.

Today, I learned I did not get the job.  A colleague also applied, and she did not get the job, either.  We are wondering if this employer will apply our fundraising proposals to his/her work strategy without giving either of us the job and/or credit for our ideas.  Is this possible?

A: Unfortunately, we are hearing enough stories like this to conclude that some employers are taking advantage of the constricted economy to reap expertise without cost.  We have heard quite a few variations on this theme where applicants are asked to give their ideas about a challenging project as part of an elaborate application process.  Later, they are told they did not get the job; presumably, the employer then keeps their work product.

Most often, these scenarios arise in the consulting context where would-be consultants are asked to produce a “Sample Analysis.”  The employer reviews these and selects consultant(s) based on the product.  Although there are legitimate reasons for getting this kind of direct input from prospective consultants, there seems to be a growing perception that employers are using this process as a ploy to reap ideas without any contractual or payment obligations. It is difficult to tell in advance which employers are utilizing a thoughtful hiring process and which are out to create a Brain Trust using applicants’ expertise.

In the future, I urge you to keep your proposals and strategic advice as conceptual as possible.  Avoid citing real organizations, cite categories or descriptions.  Instead of listing live people, list types of people and/organizations.  Give your proposal good shot, but avoid giving it 120%.  When hired for such a role, you can quickly fill in the blanks and get to work in short order without divulging everything ahead of your own tenure.

Contact Karen Alphonse at Karena@execSearches.com or visit ExecSearches.com for more information about our career coaching services.

ExecSearches.com is a job board for nonprofit job seekers interested in fundraising, management and executive nonprofit jobs.

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