The Art of the Trial Shift – Why it’s Better than Nonsense Paperwork

The trial. It’s a situation almost every working holiday holder will endure. It’s a shift to make you go from unemployed to employed, if you prove yourself. Some think it’s bogus and accomplishes nothing. Others love it. So what’s the deal? What exactly is a trial shift?

A trial shift is just that…a trial.  It’s to see how you work under pressure, with others, and in that environment.  They range anywhere from one hour to an entire shift.  The best part about it?  You are basically hired or told they will call you the next day and let you know the outcome.  Boom.  You’re done.  None of this paperwork, then waiting to hear back for an interview, then going to an interview, and then waiting again to hear back if you got the job or made it to another round of interviews.  It’s a straightforward hiring process that is efficient and quick.

Here are some answers to questions you might be thinking:

How do I prove myself?

Easy.  You work hard, listen to what they are saying, and take initiative.  Nobody wants to hire someone who waits to be told what to do.  Take this time to show your qualities and that you are capable of finding something productive to do without being told.

Do I get paid?

Technically, it’s the law that a company has to pay you for your time.  If you are hired, the trial shift is paid on your first paycheck.  If you are not hired, it is your responsibility to follow up with payment.  Companies sometimes give out free meals, gift certificates, and other incentives instead of cold hard cash. Depending on the amount of time you did on your trial, it’s up to you.  If you worked an entire eight hour shift, you go get your money.

Do I need a uniform?

Most places will tell you what to wear when they call you for a trial.  It’s always a good idea to travel with a pair of black pants and work shoes so you won’t have to purchase them.  Many places provide you with a shirt or apron, and some really don’t care.  They just want to see you work.

How am I supposed to do this job with no training?

It’s going to be stressful. The person doing the hiring is counting on that. You’d be surprised how many people don’t show up because they’re nervous, or even just leave after 20 minutes. In some cases, the job is yours solely for being the only one to show up and stay the whole time. To make your time easier, arrive early and ask some questions before you start such as what your responsibilities are for the shift. Like we said before, you won’t be given too much to do so it’s up to you to show initiative and work without being told. Don’t stand around since the few tasks you’ve been given have been completed. That’s not what the hiring manager is looking for. He or she is checking to see if you fit in well, have some common sense and good work ethic. Get busy!

 

It may be a foreign concept to you at first, but once you get in the groove, you will start to understand why companies choose to have people trial.  It’s a great way to see if the job you applied for is a good fit for you too.  There’s no point in working at a place where you don’t feel comfortable, don’t like the management, or genuinely dislike the job itself.  Remember, you are traveling on not just a working visa, but a working holiday visa and you are there to have a positive and fun experience. Don’t work a depressing and soul-crushing job, work should be a fun and positive experience, something that helps you to enjoy your time abroad!