# Propose a trial shift before hiring

> Enable trials, set up the contract, and follow a trial from the proposal to the signature.

Source: https://help.shyfter.com/en/recruitment/propose-a-trial-shift-before-hiring  
Category: Recruitment  
Updated: 2026-08-25

A trial is a few hours on the floor before hiring. The candidate picks their date, fills in the information you need, then signs a mini contract online.

It is an **unpaid test, capped at one day**, and the contract states this explicitly for both parties.

## Enable the feature

Go to **Team → Recruitment → Configuration → Trial**, then switch on **Propose a trial from the candidate profile**. A "Propose a trial" action then appears on every candidate, between the interview and the hire.

Then set:

- **Default duration**: adjustable case by case at the moment you propose the trial.
- **Information to request from the candidate**: National number (NISS), used in the contract; ID card front and back, as a photo or a scan; Profile photo, so the team recognises them; IBAN, not needed for an unpaid test. This information is collected at the moment they pick their date, before signing.
- **Trial contract template**, in the **Contract** tab.

## The contract template

The contract is a text you write once. It contains **variables** that fill themselves in when it is sent: the candidate's name, their address, their national number, your company, the role, the date, the duration and the location. The list of available variables is shown under the editor, and a click on one of them copies it.

The **Preview the contract** button shows the result as the candidate will read it.

The **Invitation** tab reminds you that the invitation email uses the "Trial proposal" template, and the **Candidate-side previews** block opens the three screens they will see with your current settings: the email, the slot choice and the contract.

## Propose a trial

From the candidate record, **Propose a trial** opens a window showing their **declared availability** as a grid of days by moments.

Shyfter automatically suggests up to three slots drawn from that availability. Each slot is annotated: "Monday morning declared available", or on the contrary "Outside availability". You can add slots, remove them, or click **Recalculate**.

Fill in the **Trial duration**, the **Location**, and if you wish a **Message to the candidate** (for example: ask them to wear black and to come to the bar).

Finish with **Send proposal**.

## How it flows on the candidate side

- They receive the invitation by email and pick one of the slots offered.
- They fill in the information requested. By photographing their ID card, the fields fill themselves in and they only have to check them.
- The contract fills itself in and they sign it with their finger on the screen.

The signed contract is archived on their record, **Documents** tab, and you receive a copy of it. The trial then appears in the venue's schedule.

## Follow a trial

The state appears on the candidate's card and on their record: **Proposed**, **Date chosen**, **Contract signed** or **Cancelled**.

Moving a candidate whose trial is under way warns you beforehand: the trial will be cancelled and they will receive a cancellation email.