Reply to: Day Free Trial

[tim123]

I don't know what area you work in, but I'd be very wary of doing this - if you are technical then it could be a ploy to present you with "a challenge" on the free day -i.e. something they cannot get fixed but get you to fix it for free.
Naturally after you have done this, the job offer never materialises
Seen this kind of stunt pulled in interviews - but much less risk if your work is more business orientated

As you say this depends upon what you do.

But in my line of work I don't expect to do something that can be delivered as a solution in one day. But I do think that a client can get a good feel for what I am capable of in one day, ... provided that he is looking properly.

tim

[Zorba]

Just my 2p worth... unless I really wanted the job I think I'd refuse, just to discourage this kind of practice. I'd suggest that before long we'd be doing free weeks, discounted extensions etc.

Doomed etc.

[Epiphone]

Hang on a bit, we are 10 a penny code hackers

Some of us are BoS support monkeys if you don't mind.

[oxtailsoup]

and he is due to make his appearance on the 23rd of this month

Well that wasn't very good planning was it?

Hope they have a TV in the maternity ward for you.

[rootsnall]

I don't know what area you work in, but I'd be very wary of doing this - if you are technical then it could be a ploy to present you with "a challenge" on the free day -i.e. something they cannot get fixed but get you to fix it for free.
Naturally after you have done this, the job offer never materialises
Seen this kind of stunt pulled in interviews - but much less risk if your work is more business orientated

Hang on a bit, we are 10 a penny code hackers not nuclear scientists about to split the atom !!!

The end client will possibly have had a bad experience with recruiting useless contractors on the strength of a 10 minute phone interview. Alternatively they are just on a little power trip !

[Troll]

I don't know what area you work in, but I'd be very wary of doing this - if you are technical then it could be a ploy to present you with "a challenge" on the free day -i.e. something they cannot get fixed but get you to fix it for free.
Naturally after you have done this, the job offer never materialises
Seen this kind of stunt pulled in interviews - but much less risk if your work is more business orientated

[tim123]

If you are on the bench what have you really got to lose?

This was my thought (but I kept quite because everyone else seems to think that the claint/agency is being unreasonable).

But ISTM that, if the client is going to go through a thorough recruitment process this will involve you visiting his site for a full day.

I don't see that a quick phone interview followed by attending the client site for a full day to actually do some work on a "try before you buy" basis, is going to cost the contractor any more than the alternative.

tim

[cykophysh39]

Thing is I'm only on the bench as my wife is carrying a future member of the ContractorUK, and he is due to make his appearance on the 23rd of this month, so I'm not desperately looking for a gig, so I'm not really keen to start the gig anyway, I explained this to the pimp too, I've told them to bin the idea anyway, and told them I'm not intrested in "Free Trials".

Where do they think if these idea's, do they really think us money grabbing contracting types would be intrested in this?

[Newby]

I had an agent offer a weeks guarantee to the client to secure the contract. If I had blown the gig he would have had to pay me for my time. (He was making less than 10% on the deal). It sounds like a silly sale gimmick to get the clients interested in using them thats all. If you are on the bench what have you really got to lose?

[cojak]

I have had a training agency who gave the client 3 days on my time free in order to get in with them.

Needless to say I charged the agent more than the going rate because I created a bespoke course for them.

Don't make the agency's business plan your business plan.

[Epiphone]

Twice I've had agents call me after the first day and tell me I've passed the free working day and the client will have me back.

Both times I told them it said nothing about a free day in the contract so it'd be billed regardless and to never be so deceitful again. I think I may have failed to influence them on the latter.

[tim123]

They should have a recruitment proceedure in place that ensures they employ a good candidate

And which employment procedure is that then?

I think you'll find that it is universally accepted that there isn't one, that always works.

tim

[BoredBloke]

On the flip side, would they consider paying you a days pay for nothing while you decide if their organisation is one you would like to work with?

Tell them where to go - who is the agency who offer this 'standard parctice'

[Bluebird]

Yeah not a bad idea. But TBH I would be loathe to work for an agency and/or company that utilises this kind of employment method. They should have a recruitment proceedure in place that ensures they employ a good candidate and shouldnt have to rely on taking someone on for a free trial. But if it comes down to it and you really want the job, do it. If I really wanted a job and it was good money I'd wear a pink tiara if it meant I got it.

Think about your terminology.

You are a Ltd Co - not a permie employee.

Employment method = Vendor Selection
Recruitmrent = Vendor Selection
Employ = Enter into Service Contract with
Job = Contract

[XTC]

Why no suggest that you'll do the days work, but only charge if the client doesn't want you ?

Yeah not a bad idea. But TBH I would be loathe to work for an agency and/or company that utilises this kind of employment method. They should have a recruitment proceedure in place that ensures they employ a good candidate and shouldnt have to rely on taking someone on for a free trial. But if it comes down to it and you really want the job, do it. If I really wanted a job and it was good money I'd wear a pink tiara if it meant I got it.