Before I was granted an Screener interview I was required to prepare work for the organization. I was asked to create a Communications plan for them. I have never been requested to do this prior to a first interview, sometimes as a finalist, but never at the entry point.
I got far into the process, passing the Screener interview, and getting invited into the office twice. The final interview I found the professional very dismissive. I got a rejection letter the following day, they still hold on to the work I did for them in the beginning of the process. The next week I saw that they they reposted the job at a higher salary and a few months later the final interviewer resigned. Something is going on there, but my experience was terrible. It was a disrespectful process that went on for months, with no sense of next steps or how long it would take. They seemed unable to make a decision and the experience left me with a terrible taste in my mouth. I have since found employment elsewhere and am relieved I dodged a bullet working for this company.