If you are looking for work, you might be asked to complete a work trial (also known as job trial, trial shift, test period, and so on.) You may be wondering what this is and whether or not it’s something you should agree to.
In today’s post, we have tried to demystify work trials and arm you with all the information you need about them.
What is a Work Trial?
A work trial is part of the recruitment process for jobs. It is a period of time spent on the job, designed to help an employer assess whether you are suitable before they make you a job offer.
Work trials are particularly common in industries such as hospitality, food service, retail, and the creative industries, though other industries do also use them sometimes.
Will I Be Paid for a Work Trial?
You may or may not be paid for a work trial. Under UK law, it is currently legal for employers to require a reasonable unpaid trial but according to LegalVision, these trials “should be only as long as you reasonably need to decide whether the potential employee can do the job.” Unfortunately, legal guidance on this is vague and there are a lot of grey areas, meaning that some employers use trial shifts in unfair ways.
More and more employers are now realising the problems with unpaid work trials and starting to pay candidates the minimum wage or relevant hourly rate for any required trial shifts. At the very least, any expenses (such as travel costs) should be reimbursed so you don’t end up out of pocket.
Why Are Work Trials Controversial?
Opinions on work trials vary, with some believing they are a valuable part of the recruitment process and others believing they only exist to exploit desperate jobseekers. Unfortunately, some unscrupulous employers have been exposed for using bogus “trial shifts” as a way to get free labour without any intention of offering a paid job.
Trade unions across the UK have condemned work trials, while the Federation of Small Businesses believes that they can be acceptable as part of the hiring process but must take care not to become exploitative.
Despite their problems and controversies, a good work trial can be a great way for you to show off your skills and wow your prospective employer in a real-world scenario. Read on to learn how to identify genuine work trials and how to ace yours.
How Do I Know if a Work Trial is a Legitimate Opportunity?
As a young person who is new to the world of work, it can be difficult to know whether a work trial is genuinely part of the recruitment process or whether you are being taken for a ride. It can also be difficult to stand up for your rights or say no to something that feels wrong, especially if you are in urgent need of a job.
There are a few things you can do to minimise your chances of falling prey to a work trial scam, though. These include:
- Research the company. Are they generally well-regarded and trusted? What do present and past employees say?
- Google the company’s name along with the words “work trial” to see if there are any horror stories.
- Ask for clear information such as whether you will be paid (and if so, how much) and how long the work trial will last. If the employer can’t answer these questions, or if the trial is unpaid and lasts longer than 2-3 hours, be very suspicious.
- Ask how many prospective employees are being asked to do trial shifts and how many jobs will be offered. A high ratio of candidates to available jobs increases the likelihood the company is engaging in exploitative practices under the guise of recruitment.
- If in doubt, ask someone you trust (such as a parent, older sibling, teacher, mentor, or careers guidance worker) for their opinion and advice. They may be able to spot signs that the work trial is either a legitimate opportunity or a scam.
Remember that it’s okay to walk away if you feel that a work trial or recruitment process is becoming unfair or exploitative.
How to Ace a Work Trial
If you’ve been offered a work trial and decided to go for it, you might be wondering how you can impress your potential employer and secure the job.
Always arrive on time, and ideally a few minutes early, dressed appropriately. If you’re not sure what is appropriate, ask beforehand, but smart clothes and shoes are usually a safe bet. If you’ll be on your feet a lot, make sure you will be comfortable.
Prepare by learning a bit more about the company or business and the role you’re applying for. You should also bring any documents you’ve been asked for, such as identification or a copy of your CV.
As you work, pay close attention to instructions and follow them carefully. If you’re not sure about something, don’t be afraid to ask for clarification. Ask questions, showing that you’re interested and engaged, and take on any tasks enthusiastically. Smile, make eye contact, and be friendly and approachable to staff and customers alike.
At the end of your shift, say thank you, offer a confident handshake, and tell the employer you look forward to hearing from them.
Remember, the work trial shift is an opportunity to showcase your skills and demonstrate your value as a potential employee. By following these tips, you can make a positive impression and increase your chances of landing the job.
What are DWP Work Trials and How Are They Different?
It is important to note that the Department of Work and Pensions (DWP) also runs a work trials scheme through Jobcentre Plus. This is a short period of work for a person on benefits, in which the prospective employer will assess whether the person is suitable to take on the job long term.
A DWP work trial must follow specific rules: you must have been interviewed for a specific position and be the only candidate for that role (employers cannot use this system as a way to decide between candidates.) The job must be for at least 16 hours per week for 13 weeks or longer, and the length of the work trial is restricted depending on the length of the job contract.
DWP work trials are completely different to the other types of work trials we have talked about in this post. If you are a candidate for a DWP work trial, your Jobcentre Plus Work Coach will give you the information and support you need.
