216: Trial Shifts: What Employers Are Really Looking For
Post Interview Episode 726th February 2026 • Interview Boss • Interview Boss
00:00:00 00:31:49

Share Episode

Shownotes

Being asked to come in for a trial shift can feel exciting…and slightly confusing. Is it a great sign? Is it free labour? And how do you actually perform well when you’re being assessed in real time?

In this week’s episode, Sarah and Emma unpack what you can expect at a trial shift, and why it’s often less about skill, and more about how you show up.

We discuss what employers are actually looking for when they see you “in action,” especially in hands-on and customer-facing roles.

Most importantly, we’ll help you shift your mindset. Because a trial isn’t just about being tested, it’s your opportunity to decide whether the job is right for you too.

🏀 Shoot Your Shot - Shoutout to Maisie who bought us 2 coffees!

“Hey Emma and Sarah! Just wanted to thank you so much for your awesome and insightful podcast that helped me so much during my difficult job search journey. I've been looking for a new job in a totally new industry after having a terrible experience in my last company and leaving the job four months ago. The environment was toxic and the managers were really mean, and it meant my confidence in the working world was pretty low by the end of it. I started doing interviews as soon as I left and faced rejections, as well as two times where I actually did get the job, and then the offer got retracted afterwards due to budget cuts or them changing their mind. Feeling very defeated and making the decision to venture down a new path I found your podcast along the way and binged it all month, as well as listening to your pep talk episode about 4 times on route to each interview (love it!). Your advice made me feel confident, prepared and like I had all the attributes and skills to succeed within me so long as I prepared well, which you guys helped me do. Your lighthearted and funny outlooks also helped me feel less nervous and relaxed about the whole process. It's also worth mentioning that the success stories at the beginning of each episode not only inspired me, but helped me manifest to be one of those people one day getting the shoutout at the beginning of an episode because like those people, I'd achieved my dream job! I had a final interview for my perfect role last week, thinking it would be too good to be true to get it, but they called me on Friday to say I'd got the job. I was so beyond happy and I know your help was part of my success. I am going to recommend you to everyone I know searching for a job or needing career help.”

🎥 Check out BRAND NEW free training - Top Interview Tips https://www.interviewboss.com.au/top-interview-tips

🏫 To get step by step help with your interview prep on demand check out our Interview Academy https://www.interviewboss.com.au/interview-academy

☕ Did our podcast help you out? Want to say thank you in coffee form? Shout us a virtual coffee here: www.buymeacoffee.com/interviewboss

☎️ To book an interview coaching session with Sarah, go to www.interviewboss.com.au/coaching

❤️ Follow us on Instagram

📒 Check out our website for free jobseeker resources

www.interviewboss.com.au

Chapters

Video

More from YouTube

More Episodes
7. 216: Trial Shifts: What Employers Are Really Looking For
00:31:49
29. 194: I quit, and it didn't even seem like anyone cared?!
00:36:20
15. Should I follow up if I think of a better answer AFTER my interview?
00:28:05
43. Two great candidates - who would YOU hire?
00:22:48
29. HELP! I have NO references to put down on my application!
00:29:34
12. Why we're not using the word 'REJECTED' in the job search anymore!
00:20:22
11. Why you might be getting GHOSTED!
00:23:06
9. How to set your referees up for success!
00:25:45
29. ANOTHER interview? What to expect in a second (or third) round job interview
00:25:13
2. 002: 10 reasons you don't hear back from a job application
00:29:24
8. 054: How to follow up after a job interview
00:16:00
31. Bombed your job interview? Here's how you can bounce back
00:24:37
15. 015: Signs that your job interview went well... (or not)
00:15:55
12. Listen to this right AFTER your interview
00:15:18