I went through the interview process at Neo Group, and I have to say it was one of the more eye-opening experiences in my career, though not for the reasons anyone would hope. From the very first email, the process was steeped in pressure and artificial urgency. I was told I needed to respond “by today evening the latest, or we will be moving on with other candidates,” which set the tone immediately. Rather than a professional invitation to interview, it felt like a high-pressure tactic designed to fluster candidates and get quick compliance.
After responding, I was surprised to receive a large, multi-section content task, essentially a full day of unpaid work, instead of the expected interview. When I politely explained that I don’t provide free labor and that my portfolio already showcases my skills, the response was dismissive and unprofessional. My experience suddenly wasn’t “enough” because I didn’t provide unpublished work from prior companies—work that is, in many cases, protected by NDAs. The hypocrisy was glaring: the Talent Acquisition Manager did not have to submit unpaid work to get his job, yet I was expected to do so before even speaking to a human being.
Once I declined to complete the task, I received an automated rejection email that not only thanked me for completing work I had not done but also included an awkward, backhanded compliment about my “impressive skills.” This mismatch between communication and action made it clear that the company’s process is automated and exploitative: unpaid work is collected where possible, and everyone else is dismissed without acknowledgment.
The experience left me frustrated and disappointed, but also firm in my conviction that job candidates deserve respect. Hiring should involve professional dialogue, fair evaluation, and transparency—not free labor and pressure tactics. Neo Group’s approach shows a disturbing disregard for candidates’ time, expertise, and professionalism. If a company asks for unpaid work before even speaking with you, the best response is a firm no.
In short, this was not an interview—it was a glimpse into a system that values exploitation over respect. I hope others are cautious, and I hope companies start treating professionals like the skilled individuals they are.
