Definition
Working interview — A working interview has a candidate perform actual work at the employer's workplace, for a set period, so the employer can evaluate them doing the real job instead of just talking about it. Depending on local labor law, the candidate may be paid, since they're performing genuine work rather than being interviewed in the traditional sense.
The format shows up most in trades, kitchens, salons, healthcare, and other hands-on roles where watching someone actually work reveals things a conversation can't, like how they handle a busy shift. It raises real questions candidates should ask up front: whether the time is paid, how long it runs, and what's being evaluated, since in some places unpaid working interviews carry legal risk for the employer.
Frequently asked questions
Is a working interview always paid?
Not always, and this varies by location and labor law. In many places, having a candidate perform real productive work without pay is legally risky for the employer, so it's reasonable for a candidate to ask about pay before agreeing to one.
How long does a working interview typically last?
It ranges from a couple of hours to a full shift or day, depending on the role and industry. Longer working interviews are more common for roles where a short sample of work wouldn't show enough.
What should a candidate ask before a working interview?
Whether it's paid, what specific tasks they'll be doing, who they'll report to during the shift, and what happens afterward in terms of decision timeline are all reasonable questions to ask before agreeing to one.
Related pages
Prep for the conversation before the shift
Most working interviews still start with a screening conversation. Practice that part on Intervieux first.