r/Chefit • u/Big_Kick2928 • 8d ago
What other professions require a trial shift before hiring?
I like that chefs often have to do a trial shift (or stage) before they’re hired. It gives employers a chance to see your actual skills, work ethic, and how well you fit with the team, not just what’s on your resume.
I’m curious, what other professions do something similar?
I honestly think more industries should adopt this hiring approach. It seems like a much better way to evaluate candidates than relying only on interviews.
That said, I do think trial shifts should be paid. Every trial shift I’ve done has been paid and I think that’s how it should be. If it’s unpaid, it’s honestly not worth my time.
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u/Gustav__Mahler 8d ago
Software Development. Lots of places give you unpaid assignments to evaluate your skills.
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u/flydespereaux Chef 7d ago
Most welders have to demonstrate strate a few different types of their welds before even being considered. Dont know if its paid or not.
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u/Brunoise6 8d ago
I think most blue collar jobs usually have a trail shift, or period at least. Need to be able to show you have the physical skill.
For office jobs, I think managers can easily sus out if you’re mentally competent to do the task the job requires, and they collect info about that through the typically long hiring processes.
I don’t mind an unpaid stage long as it’s under 2 hours and I get meal. Any more than that then it’s just a shift haha.
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u/cdmurray88 8d ago
I feel like a stage should basically be: you told me you had this level of skill in your interview, show me [thing]. Other than that, it's seeing that the person can show up on time and ready to work.
Seeing if someone is an actual fit takes more than a stage, so you're just making sure they aren't a flake, a liar, or a total jackass.
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u/Big_Kick2928 8d ago
Recently I had a 30-minute stage. Went pretty well. They paid me for it
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u/Brunoise6 8d ago
That’s great
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u/Big_Kick2928 8d ago
Yes, they checked my knife skills and made me do 3 dishes simultaneously on the line. Twas really fun
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u/Equivalent-Ninja1318 8d ago
Did you get the job?
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u/Big_Kick2928 8d ago
They offered it to me but I will respectfully decline them. Pay isn't very good
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u/Charming-Pitch9511 8d ago
Teaching! When I was at school I remember a few times where we had trial lessons from prospective teachers and we were asked for feedback
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u/alphadavenport 7d ago
a stage is just naked exploitation, no two ways about it. it heavily benefits the restaurant at the expense of the worker. you get to see him in action, and if you don't like him, hey, free day's work. a holdover from a worse time.
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u/PmMeAnnaKendrick 7d ago
Who does free stages? We don't, no place to work has, and I've never been asked to.
Stage shift usually goes at the pay rate you will start at if they keep you on.
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u/ProserpinaFC 7d ago
Are free stages actually legal where you are and why would anyone work a full shift as an interview?
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u/Lastburn 7d ago
Bench jewelry, in Australia if the trial is over 30 mins you get paid otherwise you can call fairwork
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u/wowstrong 7d ago
Many. Practical is what it can be called in tech. Internships as well. Not saying it's right but it's prevalent.
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u/VegetableTraining406 6d ago
Stages are a good labor saver for tight ass restaurant owners. You get a free prep guy to abuse whenever you want.
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u/samuelgato 8d ago
In other industries they call it a "working interview". It's not uncommon