Social media users are outraged after a firm claiming to be a "reputable oil and gas company" posted an ad on the buy-and-sell site Kijiji looking for a cameraperson and editor to help produce a training video.

The problem with the ad is that it isn't a paid job.

"In exchange for this opportunity, one of our senior VPs will provide a reference and reference letter for the individual for future employment opportunities they may want to pursue," reads the ad posted by an unnamed company.

It goes on to say the successful applicant can add the video to his or her portfolio.

Neil Scott produces high-end videos for corporate clients and told CTV Calgary that ads like this disgust him.

"This is the only industry I know of where people are asked and expected to work for free," said Scott, president and general manager of The Edge Video for Business. "It's something I highly discourage when I talk to new graduates."

He added that a 30-minute high-quality promotional video produced by a team of professionals would cost a company at least $15,000. Depending on quality, Scott said it could cost up to $80,000.

Scott isn't the only one expressing his dismay.

Almost 1,000 people have viewed the ad and dozens have commented on social media, saying they’re shocked a company had the nerve to post such an ad.

One photographer on Facebook offered an alternative solution writing, "You give me free oil and gas for a year. In exchange I will give that oil and gas company a reference letter stating how well the free oil and gas worked for me."

A producer in Los Angeles took to LinkedIn to express his disgust after a friend in Calgary sent him the posting.

"It's appalling," wrote Kent Speakman. "Come work for our massive organization for free, provide us value in the means of free work and an asset that we can use to promote our business… In return on of our $250-$500K earning Senior VPs will give you a letter so that the next company who wants you to work for free can see a reference of the great free work you did."

The address is listed on the ad, but the company name is not given, which may currently be saving the company from a lot of backlash.

With files from CTV Calgary's Elissa Carpenter