It\u2019s the kind of story that makes workers do a double take \u2014 a new job trend asking applicants to work three full days for free before they\u2019re even hired. And as it spreads to Australian workplaces, not everyone\u2019s impressed.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
The so-called \u201c72-hour job interview\u201d has become a lightning rod for criticism online after reports that some employers are using multi-day unpaid trials to test candidates\u2019 \u201cfit\u201d for a role. While short practical assessments aren\u2019t new, this extended version \u2014 effectively a three-day work trial \u2014 has left many questioning where the line between evaluation and exploitation really lies.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
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 \u2014 all without pay. Critics say that\u2019s a step too far.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u201cA \u2018one week trial\u2019 that requires office attendance and full employee level work is not a trial but unpaid labour.<\/em>\u201d one commenter wrote in a viral post that sparked outrage across social media platforms, reports Yahoo Finance<\/a>.<\/p>\n\n\n\n