Trial shifts are often used as part of the recruitment process, to find out how the applicant performs in the job role. But do you get paid for a trial shift, or are they unpaid?
Whether or not you will be paid for your trial shift will depend on the employer. Whilst some will pay you the usual hourly rate, others may state that the trial shift is unpaid. Whether or not you can expect payment should be clearly communicated by the hiring manager when you are offered the trial shift.
In this article, we’ll tell you everything you need to know about trial shifts, including whether or not you should expect to be paid, and how to make the most of your trial.
Read on to find out everything you need to know about trial shifts!
What Is A Trial Shift?
A trial shift is a shift that an applicant works in order to assess their suitability for a role. It usually lasts for a few hours, but can sometimes last for a whole day.
Trial shifts are common in the hospitality and retail industries, as they provide an opportunity for the employer to see how the applicant works under pressure, and how they interact with customers or clients.
Trial shifts are also an opportunity for you to get an idea of what the role involves and whether you will enjoy working for the company, so they are beneficial for applicants as well as businesses.
During a trial shift, the applicant will be given some training on the job role, and will then be expected to complete the tasks that are required of them. They will be closely supervised by a manager or experienced member of staff, who will be able to give feedback on their performance.
Trial shifts are common in the hospitality industry, as well as in childcare.
At the end of the trial shift, the employer will usually give feedback to the applicant on their suitability for the job. If they are successful, they may be offered the job straight away. If not, they may be asked to come back for another trial shift, or they may be unsuccessful.
How Long Is A Trial Shift?
A trial shift can last for a few hours, or it can last for a whole day. The length of the trial shift will depend on the employer, and on the job role.
Some employers may ask you to come in for a half-day trial, so that they can get an idea of your customer service skills, or your ability to work under pressure. Others may ask you to come in for a full day, so that they can assess your suitability for the role over a longer period of time.
If you are asked to come in for a trial shift, the employer should make it clear how long the shift will be, so that you can plan accordingly.
Trial Shift Payment
Whether or not you will be paid for your trial shift will depend on the employer. Some employers will pay you the usual hourly rate, whilst others may state that the trial shift is unpaid.
If you are offered a trial shift, it is important to ask about payment before you agree to do the shift. This way, there will be no confusion and you will know what to expect.
If the employer offers to pay you for your trial shift, they should also give you an estimate of how much you will be paid. This will depend on the length of the shift, and on the hourly rate that they usually pay their staff.
If the employer does not offer to pay you for your trial shift, they may still reimburse you for any expenses that you incur as a result of doing the shift. For example, if you have to travel to the trial shift, the employer may reimburse you for your travel costs.
It is also possible that the employer will offer to pay you for your trial shift, but only if you are successful in being offered the job at the end of it. In this case, the employer should make this clear to you before you agree to do the shift.
Making The Most Of Your Trial Shift
If you are offered a trial shift, it is important to make the most of it. This is your opportunity to impress the employer and to show them that you are the right person for the job.
Here are some tips on how to make the most of your trial shift:
- Arrive on time, or early. This will show the employer that you are reliable and that you take the role seriously.
- Dress appropriately. If you are not sure what to wear, ask the employer in advance.
- Be friendly and polite to everyone you meet. This includes customers, clients, and other members of staff.
- Pay attention to the tasks you are given, and try to complete them to the best of your ability.
- Ask questions if you are unsure about anything. This will show that you are keen to learn and that you are taking the role seriously.
- At the end of the shift, thank the employer for giving you the opportunity to trial the role.
- Follow up with the employer after the trial shift, to thank them again and to express your interest in the role.
Does A Trial Shift Mean I Got The Job?
If you have been offered a trial shift, you might be wondering whether this means that you have been successful in your application and got the job.
Many companies, especially in the hospitality sector, use trial shifts as a way of assessing your suitability for the role, as part of the recruitment process. So, whilst being offered a trial shift doesn’t mean that you are guaranteed to secure the role, it does mean that the company is interested in finding out if you are the right fit for the company.
After the trial shift, you might find out how you’ve done immediately, or you may have to wait to receive feedback by email or phone. In some circumstances, you may even be offered the job at the end of the trial shift.
If you are successful in being offered the job, the employer will usually give you a start date. If you are not offered the job, the employer may still give you feedback on your performance during the trial shift. This feedback can be useful in helping you to prepare for future interviews and applications.
Are Unpaid Trial Shifts Legal UK?
In an ideal world, you would be paid for a trial shift. However, unpaid trial shifts are permitted in UK law, as long as the company meets the following criteria:
- The trial shift is being used for genuine recruitment purposes
- The trial shift is a reasonable time to assess the candidate’s suitability
- The trial shift involves the candidate being closely observed
- The tasks required are relevant to the job being offered
To ensure that the company is meeting its legal obligations, you can ask to view its recruitment process. This should detail the company’s policy on trial shifts, including how long they last, what you will be expected to do, and whether or not you will be paid.
If you are asked to do an unpaid trial shift, you should also be given information on the company’s expenses policy. This will detail how much the company is willing to reimburse you for your travel and other out-of-pocket expenses.
If you are asked to do a trial shift, it is important to make sure that you are given all of the relevant information before you agree to do it. This way, you can be sure that the company is following the law, and you will know what to expect from the shift.
FAQs
What Should I Expect At A Trial Shift?
When you attend a trial shift, you can expect to be given some training on the job role, and then you’ll be asked to complete some tasks. The employer will be assessing your suitability for the role, so it’s important to show that you are keen to learn and that you are taking the role seriously.
A trial shift is an opportunity for you to show the employer that you have the skills and qualities they are looking for. You should therefore try to do your best, and demonstrate that you are the right person for the job.
What Do You Wear To A Trial Shift?
The dress code for a trial shift will depend on the job role you are applying for. For example, if you are applying for a job in a restaurant, you should wear smart casual clothing.
If you are unsure of the dress code, it is best to err on the side of caution and dress more formally than you would normally.
What Is A Paid Trial?
A paid trial is a shift or period of work that you are paid for. This type of trial is more common in the hospitality sector, as it allows the employer to assess your suitability for the role, without having to pay you for a full shift.
Paid trials usually last for a few hours, and you will be given tasks to complete during this time. At the end of the shift, you will be paid for your work.
Can I Refuse To Do A Trial Shift?
You are not obliged to do a trial shift, and you can refuse if you do not want to do one. However, if you do refuse, it is unlikely that you will be offered the job.
If you are asked to do an unpaid trial shift, you should make sure that you are given all of the relevant information before you agree to do it. This way, you can be sure that the company is following the law, and you will know what to expect from the shift.
What Are The Benefits Of Doing A Trial Shift?
A trial shift is a chance for you to show the employer that you have the skills and qualities they are looking for. It is also an opportunity to learn more about the job role, and to ask any questions you may have.
In Summary
Trial shifts are a common part of the recruitment process in many industries, especially in hospitality and child care. It’s an opportunity for the employer to see exactly how you will perform in the job role, as well as an opportunity for you to find out if it’s the right job for you.
When it comes to ‘do you get paid for a trial shift?’, it really depends on the company. Whilst some companies will pay you for the trial shift, others may specify that the trial is unpaid. It’s important to clarify the details before you agree to do the shift.