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AIBU?

Share your dilemmas and get honest opinions from other Mumsnetters.

Original poster

I have to go on a trial for a new job and I feel a bit weird about it

48 replies

Pres11 · 07/04/2024 19:18

I had a really good interview last week for a administration role and was told they had one more person to see and would be in touch. The manager said that I was the best they had seen and were really impressed at the interview. I then got a call to say that they had also been impressed with the person they interviewed after me, and as such want us to both to have a 3 hour paid trial. So I agreed, and all weekend it’s been bugging me a bit, and I don’t like the idea of competing and being judged. Obviously when you have interviews you are being judged and are competing for the job but for some reason a trial is not sitting well with me. I’ve never had to do one before, and am I just behind the times or does anyone feel the same as me.

OP posts:
rubyslippers · 07/04/2024 19:19

I wouldn’t do it
they either liked you or not

Booksoverbros · 07/04/2024 19:20

I wouldn't do it.
I think it's a red flag for the culture of the place.

NeverDropYourMooncup · 07/04/2024 19:20

Well, that's a cheap way of getting cover for the usual person's day off. No agency fees at all and two people guaranteed to work their arses off for four hours.

ByUmberViewer · 07/04/2024 19:22

No thats not acceptable at all.

They either want you or they don't. I've NEVER heard of a paid trial for admin.

I think a PP has it right - someone is off and they need cover.

kefirgiraffe · 07/04/2024 19:22

Hmm. For me it would depend how much I wanted the job and also the vibe you picked up/know about the place. You could see it as a good way of seeing if YOU want the job too?

Heyisforhorses · 07/04/2024 19:23

I did a couple of hours trial for a company I worked in and it was great. It gave me a feel for the company seeing people at work and how they were which helped me see I would fit in. Same for the company, you and the other person may be equal workwise and its to see who would fit in best with the company. Treat it as you interviewing them as well to see how they work out for you. Good luck

Timeforanotheraliasnow · 07/04/2024 19:23

Why not? It's paid and you have at least 50% chance of success. Also if you feel you don't like them as a result of the trial you can say no.

StasisMom · 07/04/2024 19:24

How much did you want the job - as in how much did it appeal to you? If you're very keen then do it, if not, then I wouldn't.

MidnightPatrol · 07/04/2024 19:25

How inconvenient is it for you to do the trial?

I have done trial shifts in the past - never really thought much about it. It can be hard to tell what someone is like until they are in the role - which if a customer service role, is helpful to know.

If it’s a massive inconvenience / requires a morning or holiday or similar I don’t think you’d be unreasonable to push back on those grounds though.

Bluevelvetsofa · 07/04/2024 19:25

If you’re being paid, it’s a chance to see whether you would like the company perhaps. I don’t think it’s a good idea necessarily, but you might learn something from it.

Grapesandcheesetwo · 07/04/2024 19:27

Clicking on the thread, my main question was whether the trial is paid. Seeing that it is, I'd go and see it as an extension of the interview for you too. Use it to check if you'd want to work there.

TimeGrabsYouByTheWrist · 07/04/2024 19:28

I'd do the trial and use it as you interviewing them to see if it's the right place for you to work.

You then have the choice to accept if they offer you the position, or decline if you don't like the atmosphere and feel something is amiss.

coxesorangepippin · 07/04/2024 19:29

Might not be a bad plan as you actually get to see where you would work/the culture

I do find the pitting you against the other person a bit off though ( and the fact that they told you about it... Should've kept that under their sleeve)

RoseGoldEagle · 07/04/2024 19:31

Agree It depends how much you want the job. At least it’s paid. It does feel a bit demeaning somehow, though I can’t quite put my finger on why! I think you’d have to be prepared for how you would feel if they turned you down.

senua · 07/04/2024 19:32

What's your current position. Are you having to use up a day's leave to do this trial?

senua · 07/04/2024 19:35

How are they paying you. Are they signing you up to PAYE for 3 hours' work or slipping you some cash? The former is a ridiculous amount of admin for a tiny bit of work. The latter is dodgy.

Original poster
Pres11 · 07/04/2024 20:04

Thanks everyone. The mixed responses are exactly how I’m feeling, one minute thinking “just got for it, and see if it’s for me” and the other feeling like it’s demeaning somehow?! I am available on the day of the trial anyway, as it’s my day off so it works in that regard. Thank you all again for your responses.

OP posts:
pinkwaterbottle9 · 08/04/2024 12:09

I'd prob just go for it. Can't hurt if you're getting paid.

upthespoutagain · 08/04/2024 12:14

It might fuck up your tax. I did one day's work once then got slammed for extra tax meaning that I actually worked for nothing. It was years ago, but I am still bitter!

MILTOBE · 08/04/2024 12:18

So they wouldn't pay you for those hours?

My daughter had a number of so-called "interviews" like this in places like Starbucks and other cafes and bars, where she had to work flat out for several hours, only to never hear from them again.

What type of job is this one?

tttigress · 08/04/2024 12:22

If you want the job, do it.

But I do find that companies seem to be continually changing the application process for jobs, usually making the process more complicated/ intrusive, which is quite annoying.

One of my best jobs came from a 20 minute telephone interview. I think the interviewer knows fairly quickly if they have got the right candidate, why complicate things?!

PuppyMonkey · 08/04/2024 12:26

For an admin job? By the time they’ve explained how the computers work and their phone systems or whatever and show you round, introduce people, that’ll be a couple of hours gone. It’s hardly going to give them a better idea of how you’ll get on in the job. Confused

YireosDodeAver · 08/04/2024 12:27

I wouldn't do a trial for anything other than a total unskilled-labour type job because any serious employer knows that a skilled employee takes time to learn the ropes before reaching great performance in a new role. In a 3 hour trial you can only achieve anything if no prior knowledge or understanding is required to achieve what is asked of you.

I agree this is a red flag and tells you this is a company that doesn't value the skills and experperience you would be bringing.

I would decline and say you're no longer interested in the role.

jackstini · 08/04/2024 12:30

Dd did a paid trial for her job, although hospitality. She appreciated knowing the reality of the team and atmosphere before she accepted and is still there over 2 years later

Willmafrockfit · 08/04/2024 12:31

very strange
just have to be on your best friendliest behaviour for 3 hours
use it as a time to sus it out for yourself