If you’ve been asked for a “work sample” during a hiring process, you’re not alone. More and more organizations are requiring candidates to create presentations, write proposals, or complete data exercises as part of their evaluation.
Here’s the hard truth: these assignments can be time-consuming, unpaid, and often come with little to no feedback. While you can’t control how an employer handles it, you can approach these situations in a way that protects your time and energy.
Know What You’re Walking Into
When you’re given a work sample request, ask yourself:
Is this a reasonable ask? A short exercise to demonstrate relevant skills is fair. A multi-hour project that could be billable client work? That’s a red flag.
Are the instructions clear? If it’s vague, don’t guess — email and clarify. You deserve to know what skills they want to see highlighted.
Protect Your Time
Remember: you’re not obligated to produce a polished, “perfect” deliverable. The goal is to show how you think and work, not to give away free consulting. Set boundaries for yourself. If they ask for a slide deck, maybe it’s 4–5 slides, not 25.
Push Back When Needed
It’s okay to say: “Happy to share a sample of my work or walk through my approach, but I’d prefer not to create something extensive without compensation.” This is especially fair if the assignment resembles actual deliverables the organization could use.
Advocate for Feedback
You won’t always get it, but you can ask:“If I’m not selected to move forward, would you be open to sharing feedback on my work sample? That would help me learn and improve.”
Even if the answer is no, you’ve signaled that feedback is the professional standard.
The Bottom Line
Work samples can give you a chance to shine but they also come with risks of inequity and wasted time. Treat them as one data point in your evaluation of an employer. If they respect your time, give clear instructions, and provide feedback, that’s a good sign. If they don’t, take note.
This week’s list is packed with leadership roles along with a strong mix of communications and fundraising openings. Salaries are holding steady on the higher end, with many jobs starting at or above $100K.
Want more fresh roles? Subscribe now and you’ll get another curated list of remote, six-figure, social impact jobs delivered to your inbox this Friday.
Account Executive, Higher Education – Packback💰 $165,000–$185,000📍 Remote👉 Apply here
Senior Software Engineer, Applied Research – Meedan💰 $160,000–$180,000📍 Remote👉 Apply here
Vice President of Campaigns and Political Strategy – National Institute for Reproductive Health💰 $140,000–$160,000📍 Remote👉 Apply here
Senior Director, NGB Services – U.S. Olympic & Paralympic Foundation💰 $124,086–$157,589📍 Remote👉 Apply here
Senior Director, AP Instructional Services – CollegeBoard💰 $96,000–$155,000📍 Remote👉 Apply here
Senior Program Manager – The Public Health Institute💰 $91,910–$137,348📍 Remote👉 Apply here
Protect & Build Campaign Manager – Community Change💰 $110,000–$120,000📍 Remote👉 Apply here
Development Officer (USA, West Coast) – Akashinga💰 $100,000–$120,000📍 Remote (West Coast)👉 Apply here
Global Grants & Finance Manager – Talent Beyond Boundaries💰 $76,000–$108,000📍 Remote👉 Apply here
Managing Editor (Copyediting) – MissionWired💰 $110,000–$110,001📍 Remote👉 Apply here
Associate Vice President, Direct Mail (Political) – MissionWired💰 $110,000📍 Remote👉 Apply here
Director of Client Success – MissionWired💰 $90,000–$110,000📍 Remote👉 Apply here
Senior Communications Manager – Society of Family Planning💰 $100,000–$105,000📍 Remote👉 Apply here
Director of Growth & Partnerships – Health In Harmony💰 $95,000–$105,000📍 Remote👉 Apply here
Business Services and Finance Manager – Kids Operating Room USA💰 $85,000–$100,000📍 Remote👉 Apply here
Political Data Analyst – Vote.org💰 Up to $80,000📍 Remote👉 Apply here
Compliance Support Specialist, Forestry – Hispanic Access Foundation💰 $70,000–$80,000📍 Remote👉 Apply here
Communications Associate, Energy – Earthworks💰 $65,000–$70,000📍 Remote👉 Apply here
Administrative Assistant, Research Management – Cure Alzheimer’s Fund💰 $60,000–$75,000📍 Remote👉 Apply here
Distributed Organizing Director – Climate Defiance💰 $62,400📍 Remote👉 Apply here
Community Manager – New Majority Capital Foundation💰 $55,000–$65,000📍 Remote👉 Apply here