The job search process can be stressful, especially when dealing with hiring agencies. While some agencies genuinely aim to help candidates secure jobs, others might take advantage of job seekers by assigning numerous tasks, only to ghost them or leave them hanging with no feedback. These agencies can waste your time, energy, and sometimes even your skills. To help you avoid being strung along, here are a few warning signs and tips on how to protect yourself.

1. Too Many Unpaid Test Tasks

One of the most common ways an agency might string you along is by assigning multiple test tasks. These tasks are often time-consuming and unpaid. In some cases, companies may use these tasks as free labor, benefiting from your hard work without any intention of hiring you. If you find yourself repeatedly completing tasks with little to no feedback or outcome, it’s time to reconsider your relationship with that agency.

What to watch out for:

• Multiple tasks: Completing a small assignment to showcase your skills is normal, but if you’re being asked to complete several tasks for free, you may be wasting your time.
• No clear end: If the agency can’t give you a solid timeline or explain how many steps are in the process, that’s a red flag.

What to do:

• After completing one or two tasks, politely ask when you can expect a decision or next steps. If they’re evasive, consider cutting ties.
• If the tasks seem overly complex or unrelated to the role, question whether they’re using your skills for free labor.

2. Vague Communication or Constant Delays

Agencies stringing candidates along often engage in vague communication, leaving you in the dark about your status. They may promise to “get back to you soon” or say they’re “waiting to hear from the client” but fail to give you concrete timelines. This can lead to endless waiting without clarity.

What to watch out for:

• Lack of specific timelines: They tell you decisions will be made “soon” but never define what “soon” means.
• Delayed feedback: If you finish tasks but get minimal or no feedback over long periods, the agency might not be prioritizing you.

What to do:

• Set boundaries on your availability. After the first few delays, give a clear timeline for when you expect a response. If they don’t meet it, move on.
• Ask for regular updates or clarity on the hiring timeline. Agencies that respect your time will provide these.

3. Unclear Hiring Process

If the hiring process seems unnecessarily long, confusing, or undefined, the agency might be stringing you along. A well-run hiring process will have clear steps, such as interviews, test tasks, and final decisions. If the agency can’t explain these steps, it’s likely they’re disorganized—or worse, they might not have real opportunities lined up for you.

What to watch out for:

• No clear hiring process: If they can’t outline the stages of the interview process, they may not have a plan.
• Shifting requirements: If they keep changing the role description, qualifications, or required tasks, they could be trying to squeeze free work out of you.

What to do:

• Before committing to multiple tasks, ask for a detailed explanation of the entire process.
• If they’re reluctant or vague in their answers, consider looking elsewhere. Transparency is a sign of professionalism.

4. The Job Doesn’t Seem Real

Some hiring agencies will string along candidates for jobs that don’t even exist. In these cases, they’re collecting your personal data, portfolio, and perhaps even free labor to pad their client roster or look good on paper. If the job listing or agency seems fishy, you should proceed with caution.

What to watch out for:

• No clear job listing: If they can’t point you to a specific job listing or share job details, the position may not exist.
• Too many “interested parties”: If they constantly tell you other candidates are being considered but never progress with your application, it could be a tactic to keep you on the hook.

What to do:

• Research the agency’s reputation. Look for online reviews, ask about them on forums, and check LinkedIn for employees or former clients.
• Ask for direct contact with the hiring company. A legitimate job will often allow you to eventually connect with someone from the business itself.

5. No Contract or Agreement for Long-Term Assignments

When a hiring agency asks you to commit significant time to a task or project without offering any form of contract, it’s a major red flag. Agencies that respect their candidates will provide clear agreements outlining expectations, timelines, and compensation when applicable.

What to watch out for:

• No written agreement: If the task involves more than a couple of hours, there should be a contract in place.
• Vague project requirements: If the project brief is unclear and you’re unsure of what’s expected of you, it might be an indication that they don’t value your time.

What to do:

• Ask for a contract or freelance agreement if the task requires considerable time or effort. If they refuse, it’s time to move on.
• Clarify upfront if the task is paid or unpaid, and be cautious of agencies that ask for too much free work.

How to Protect Yourself

Now that you know the warning signs, here are a few tips on how to safeguard your time and energy:

1. Do your research: Before working with any agency, look them up online. See if they have positive reviews and testimonials from other job seekers. Check sites like Glassdoor or LinkedIn for insights.
2. Set boundaries: You have every right to protect your time. Make sure you have clear expectations from the agency regarding timelines, tasks, and hiring steps.
3. Track your work: If you’re doing test tasks, keep a record of what you’ve completed, including dates and details. This can help you identify patterns and avoid situations where your work isn’t valued.
4. Don’t be afraid to walk away: If something feels off or the process is dragging on too long, trust your instincts. There are plenty of agencies and companies out there that will treat you with respect.

In conclusion, while hiring agencies can be helpful, it’s important to be cautious of those that string candidates along. Avoid Hiring Agencies That String You Along with Test Tasks. By paying attention to red flags, setting clear expectations, and protecting your time, you can avoid getting caught up in endless test tasks that go nowhere. Stay vigilant, and don’t let anyone take advantage of your talents for free!