I had a phone screen with HR, a phone interview with the hiring manager, & an on-site interview for a Product Manager of Wireless Video Services. The hiring manager asked me to complete a case study on what wireless video services I would recommend that US Cellular offer. I was to include a marketing strategy and present my results to a panel in 3 weeks time. He actually mentioned to me that this was a good way to get ideas and to evaluate candidate skills for the position. I spent 3 weeks doing research after work and on weekends. I kinda knew I was being taken advantage of but didn't feel I had a choice if I wanted the position. I gave the presentation to 3 or 4 people at the site and they asked questions and took notes. Overall, I thought I did well but after the presentation the hiring manager told me that my ideas were too "narrow". Consequently I didn't get an offer.
I thought it was extremely unprofessional of US Cellular to get ideas from candidates on challenges / issues / problems they are working on. Then to turn me down because you didn't like my ideas??!!! Needless to say I did not have a positive interview experience at all.