A week or so ago I read a few readers letters in the Daily Mail about work trials. This may be a fairly new thing but basically they get you to come in, work at whatever for a few hours, without pay. One experienced mechanic fitted engine parts for 6 hours, free, and didn't get the job. Demotivating or what?
I can see why companies do it, but it worries me quite what is going on out there. Surely they could judge the competence of applicants without it looking like they are using you for cheap labour. Unlike the mechanic who knew exactly what to do, just how many other jobs can you impress at in just a few hours?