One Day Working Trial (i.e. short tryout for my dream job)

Submitted by Andrew Ross
in
Career Management

Hi everyone-

I'm looking for a bit of advice, as I find myself in personally uncharted waters. I've been going back and forth for a few weeks with a recruiter regarding what is seemingly my dream job. After highlighting my background, and successfully navigating some technical questions, they've asked me to come in next week for a one day working trial -- and, of course, I jumped at the opportunity. Since this appears to essentially be a working interview (by another name) with my potential manager, do you have any advice for me?

(1) Specifically, how should I dress? It's a technical lab role, and if expected to work, a suit and tie would likely be be overkill (to unsafe), especially when considering the company culture. 

(2) More generally, how should I approach the day? I know that I should channel the best possible version of myself, but how should I further prepare beyond the Manager Tools interviewing advice?

Thanks in advance for your feedback!

-Drew

Submitted by Glenn Ross on Thursday August 1st, 2013 9:47 am

I can only address the dress code question. I would hope the recruiter gives you a contact person at the firm. Call that person ahead of time to confirm your arrival time, parking situation, etc. Ask him or her about the dress code. That way, if you're steered wrong, you have a defense.
More importantly, this shows your aptitude for asking questions and confirming details before you jump into something.
Good luck!

Submitted by Eric Durbin on Thursday August 1st, 2013 4:05 pm

Drew,
Have you heard the CT cast on assessment centers? http://www.manager-tools.com/2011/09/assessment-centers-basics
M&M give advice about how to prep and what answers you should be looking for from a contact at the company. I would agree with Glen that you'll want to ask about any special dress requirements, along other particulars you might need to bring to the day. Are there any tests you'll be taking? Foreknowledge will help you prepare and feel more confident.
If no other information exists, I say wear a suit. It's always better to overdress. If it is actually dangerous, you can remove the jacket or tie. This is an interview, as you said. Don't consider company attire-culture until your first day of work.
I think you're already on track with the general approach to the day. Just remember you're being evaluated all day long--even during breaks. In a way, it's relaxing. You can't keep up a fake persona that long, so you're stuck with your actual personality and style to present. If it's not a match, that's probably better for you in the long term anyway. Keep your smile on, though. ;-)
Best wishes,
Eric

Submitted by Shane MacQuarrie on Friday August 16th, 2013 7:44 am

I have a version of this next week. I fly out to one of our other sites where I will be participating in the audit that is going on. Our auditors typically wear khaki's or slack's, polo or button down shirts (no tie). The hiring manager made it a point to IM me and let me know to wear comfortable business casual. He expressly said "No need for shirt/tie/suit." Hopefully, you have a similar type of contact at the site that can clue you in on necessary items to bring with you and how to dress. Best of luck. Mac 7121

Submitted by Andrew Ross on Wednesday August 21st, 2013 5:47 am

Thanks for the advice. All is well -- I got an offer today!
on Dress: I spoke to my contacts there as well as a trusted mentor in start-up scene, and I erred on the side of overdress. Based on the feedback I received, a suit would have been overkill, so slacks and button down with a jacket (which I could remove after introductions) it was. 
@ Eric: Thanks for linking the test assessment center cast. The information provided was useful, especially contextually. 
on Approach: The experience was exciting and rewarding, but exhausting -- an entire workday of making good impressions, answering behavioral and technical questions, helping out as best I could with whomever I was spending time, conveying my ability to contribute, and demonstrating my ability to fit well into their particular work environment. I followed up immediately with a hand-written card, and then a week later by e-mail. I decided to take it upon myself to do the work and follow up with some of the issues with which they were dealing during my trial day.
Lesson learned: Sometimes screwing your courage to the sticking point in showing enthusiasm and ability pays off! "Go at it boldly, and you'll find unexpected forces closing round you and coming to your aid." -Basil King