It’s the kind of story that makes workers do a double take — a new job trend asking applicants to work three full days for free before they’re even hired. And as it spreads to Australian workplaces, not everyone’s impressed.
The Rise of the 72-Hour Job Interview
The so-called “72-hour job interview” has become a lightning rod for criticism online after reports that some employers are using multi-day unpaid trials to test candidates’ “fit” for a role. While short practical assessments aren’t new, this extended version — effectively a three-day work trial — has left many questioning where the line between evaluation and exploitation really lies.
The practice reportedly started gaining traction overseas and is now appearing in a handful of Australian industries, particularly hospitality, sales, and retail. Applicants are asked to shadow staff, complete assigned tasks, and demonstrate their skills over several shifts — all without pay. Critics say that’s a step too far.
“A ‘one week trial’ that requires office attendance and full employee level work is not a trial but unpaid labour.” one commenter wrote in a viral post that sparked outrage across social media platforms, reports Yahoo Finance.
Workers Push Back Against Exploitative Job Trials
Labour advocates and unions have condemned the practice, warning that it undermines fair hiring standards. Under Australian law, job trials must be “reasonable” in length and purpose — typically limited to a few hours, not multiple days. Anything beyond that risks breaching workplace laws that protect employees from unpaid labour.
Even so, enforcement remains tricky. Some jobseekers, desperate for employment, accept such conditions out of fear of losing the opportunity altogether. Others say they’ve walked away from interviews that required them to work unpaid shifts, calling the experience “demeaning” and “a waste of time.”
Employers defending the concept argue that longer trials help assess cultural fit and practical ability before making a formal offer — a claim employment experts say doesn’t hold up legally or ethically.
Where the Law Draws the Line
According to the Fair Work Ombudsman, unpaid trials are only lawful if they are “demonstrations of skills” directly related to a position and last no longer than necessary to show competence. Anything resembling real work or contributing to business operations must be paid.
Legal experts warn that companies using 72-hour unpaid trials could face penalties if found in breach of employment laws. Jobseekers are being advised to report such requests and to insist on written agreements before undertaking any extended trial period.
A Trend That Crosses the Line
The backlash shows no signs of cooling. As social media continues to expose questionable job practices, more Australians are speaking up about unfair recruitment tactics. For younger workers and those in casual roles, the trend feels like yet another reminder that even landing a job can come with strings attached.
For now, the message from workers is clear — if an interview starts to feel like free labour, it’s probably not the right job to begin with.
