I've been writing for 20 years (13 as a freelancer) and, for some jobs, I've been asked to do a copy test. If it was a short exercise and didn't require a big investment of time, I would usually do it. I've stopped doing them, however, because I've found that some of the employers were really just fishing for ideas; they never really intended on hiring anyone and this was a good way to get some ideas/concepts and copy for free. One company actually used my copy in one of their catalogues, although with a little creative editing, it would have been hard to prove.

I heard through the grapevine that a major retail chain store here in my hometown was looking for a full time copywriter. I sent over my resume and writing samples to their inside ad agency. The creative director said that they would be sending over a little exercise "to see what their applicants could do with a pair of assignments that we might actually take on."

With marketing in mind for two states (where they are planning on opening stores), for the "test," they want one :30 second grand opening TV spot and one :60 second radio spot. In addition, for another campaign, they want one :60 second radio spot targeted at teens.

Sounds to me like a lot of work for free. I'm not going to do it. I don't need the work that much but want to reply in a dignified way. What are your thoughts?