Christmas job trial? Three checks before you work for free
An unpaid trial should be a short, supervised skills check. Before your next café or retail shift, ask these questions and keep a record of what you do.
Editorial edition 2026-10-18 · Published · Sources checked 19 Oct 2026
Applying for Christmas casual work or your first job after uni? A trial can feel like your chance to get hired. Before agreeing, clarify what you’ll do and whether you’ll be paid.
Who this is for: Jobs in Australia’s national workplace relations system.
The three checks
An unpaid trial can be lawful when it’s necessary to demonstrate skills for a vacant job. Check that:
• Tasks only demonstrate skills relevant to the role.
• Someone appropriate directly supervises you throughout.
• It lasts only as long as reasonably needed to assess those skills.
There’s no universal “free first shift” rule. Time beyond a necessary skills demonstration must be paid at the appropriate minimum rate. A longer assessment can happen through paid casual employment or probation. Fair Work guidance: Fair Work guidance
A café example
In Fair Work’s example, Jason makes coffee during a five-hour trial but is also asked to clean bathrooms, remove rubbish and sweep. Fair Work says those extra activities go beyond the required skills demonstration, and he should be paid for the time worked. This is an illustrative example, not a newly reported incident. Read the example: Read the example
What to ask before you arrive
“Could you confirm the trial’s tasks, start and finish times, who will supervise me, and whether it’s paid? If you need me to work beyond the skills demonstration, what pay rate applies?”
Protect yourself with a simple record
1. Save the job ad and messages. Record your hours, breaks, tasks and supervisor.
2. If hired, confirm your employment type, award or agreement, classification and pay rate. Check rates, penalties and allowances with Fair Work’s Pay and Conditions Tool: Fair Work’s Pay and Conditions Tool
3. Compare your first payment with your records. Employees must receive a pay slip within one working day of payday. Pay slip rules: Pay slip rules
International students can ask for help
Visa holders have the same workplace rights and protections as other employees. Fair Work says your visa won’t be cancelled because you ask it for help. You must still follow your visa conditions. Call 13 13 94, or call 131 450 for an interpreter and ask for Fair Work. Help for visa holders: Help for visa holders
Scope and photo
General information for jobs in the national workplace relations system, not individual legal advice. Some workplaces use state rules. Check your system: Check your system
Photo: Haberdoedas/Unsplash, licensed for reuse. Illustrative café image, unrelated to the example. Sources checked 19 October 2026 Sydney.