Preparing For A Trial Shift - Everything You Need To Know

Most common in the food and beverage industry, trial shifts are usually the final stage in an interview process whereby the employer wants to see if the potential employee can do the job at hand, how they interact with customers, colleagues and assess their overall demeanour.

There is a fair argument to be had that unpaid trial shifts should not be allowed. However, if the potential employee and the employer agree on 2-3 hours of unpaid work, then this shouldn’t be too much of a problem.

However, in some cases it may blur the line between a trial shift and doing the actual job, in this scenario, it may be seen as exploitation.

But in this article, we want to dive deep into trial shifts and help you if you’re about to start one!

First, Know Your Rights!

Be clear from the outset (even before you apply for the job) to see if there is any mention of a trial shift in the initial job specification. And if there isn’t, you could always politely ask if the process involves a trial shift.

If it does, it really comes down to whether or not you’re comfortable working for free to potentially get the job. Bear in mind, that if you do agree, this speaks volumes in itself that you’re prepared to work for free to get the job, something your new employer will definitely be taking notice of and will appreciate.

And if you do agree, know your rights and what you signed up for! A quick call with an ACAS representative to discuss the matter will help you understand what rights you have on your trial shift and may even help you make the decision.

Be clear with your potential employer the hours of work, what is expected of you - or what they’re wanting to see from you and what happens after the trial shift.

Cheat Guide

More than likely your potential employer will want to see how you interact with colleagues, do you help them and take a front-footed approach in that you are actively helping and being a team member.

Also, assuming it’s a food and beverage type job you’re going for, how do you interact with the customers? Are you open and welcoming, doing anything you can to help them or are you reserved and shy?

Your potential employer more than likely isn’t going to want to hire someone who is looking for an easy ride by not going out of their way to do the job. They’re looking for someone who is proactive and uses their initiative to help both the team members and customers.

What To Wear?

Depending on what industry you’re trial shift is for, and what has been agreed with your potential employer, more than likely you may need to bring your own workwear.

And Granite Workwear can help you choose the right outfit for the trial shift.

Shop the full range of clothes on our website where you can find aprons, polo shirts, trousers and everything you may be asked to wear for your trial shift.

Again, trial shifts are most common in the food and beverage industry, so take a look at the Food Processing category on our website to find the most relevant products you may need. Or alternatively, use our search function to find exactly what you’re looking for.