How to Prepare for a Trial Shift or Test Task
A very common final step in the hiring process is a trial shift or other test. We have been seeing a few of our UK-based and international clients to implement this step as a part of the hiring process especially for roles with a practical element such as an Art Technician and Registrar, as well as for roles that require a lot of in person communication such as a Personal Assistant. These activities are useful for both companies and candidates to determine if the role is best for that person and how they will fit into the existing team.
If you’re invited to complete a trial shift or test task, it’s a strong sign of interest and will typically be the final interview stage before an offer. Preparation and professionalism are crucial to make a good first impression and secure your offer!
What Galleries Often Ask Candidates to Do
Trial shifts and test tasks vary depending on the role, but common requests include:
- Invigilating or front-of-house work
- Assisting with installation or deinstallation
- Writing a short exhibition text or artwork description
- Creating a sample social media post or newsletter draft
- Organising files, image folders, or basic cataloguing
- Completing a short research task on an artist or exhibition
How to Present Your Work
Presentation matters just as much as content.
For written or digital tasks:
- Follow any formatting instructions precisely Use clear headings and concise language
- Proofread carefully - spelling and artist names matter
- Submit work in the requested format and file type
For practical or in-person tasks:
- Dress professionally and appropriately for the environment and ideally research in advance the company’s style and etiquette
- Be punctual and prepared
- Ask thoughtful questions if instructions are unclear
Practical Dos and Don’ts
Do
- Read the brief carefully - twice
- Manage your time and meet deadlines
- Stay calm and adaptable if plans change
- Take notes during instructions
- Treat everyone professionally, regardless of seniority
Don’t
- Overstep your role or criticise existing systems
- Rush through tasks without checking details
- Use overly casual language or tone
- Assume expectations without asking
- Ignore health and safety guidance
How to Follow Up Afterwards
- Following up is an important but often overlooked step.
- Within 24-48 hours:
- Send a brief, polite thank-you email Express appreciation for the opportunity Reaffirm your interest in the role Mention something specific you enjoyed or learned
Final Thoughts
Trial shifts and test tasks are not about catching candidates out, they’re about confirming that you are the best fit for the role and the company. Employers want to see reliability, curiosity, and a professional mindset as much as technical skill. Approached thoughtfully, the trial shift or task can be a fantastic opportunity to demonstrate your value and potential input to the team.
At Lacey West Art International, we support candidates through every stage of the hiring process. If you’d like guidance before a trial shift or feedback on a test task, we’re always happy to help.