Hiring Through Experience, Not Interviews
At Strife, we believe that building a great company starts with building a great team. That’s why we’ve introduced paid work trials into our hiring process—a practice inspired by companies like Linear, Automattic, and Gumroad. Today, we’re wrapping up our first trial, and we’re thrilled with the results.
What Is a Work Trial?
A work trial is a short, paid engagement—typically 3 to 5 days—where a candidate collaborates with us on a real project. This isn’t a hypothetical exercise or a take-home test. It’s hands-on, collaborative work that simulates what it’s like to be part of Strife.
Why We Do It
Traditional interviews can only tell you so much. They often favor those who are good at talking about work, not necessarily those who are good at doing it. Work trials help us see how candidates think, communicate, and solve problems in real time.
But it’s not just about us. Work trials give candidates a chance to experience our culture, workflows, and values firsthand. It’s a two-way street, ensuring alignment and mutual enthusiasm before making a long-term commitment.
How It Works
Pre-Trial Alignment: After initial interviews and mutual interest, we invite candidates to a work trial.
Real Projects: Candidates work on meaningful tasks that align with their prospective role. For example, a developer might build a feature, while a designer might work on a UI component.
Team Integration: Candidates collaborate with team members, attend stand-ups, and participate in discussions, just like any other team member.
Feedback and Reflection: At the end of the trial, both the candidate and the team reflect on the experience to decide on the next steps.
Our First Trial: A Success Story
Our inaugural work trial exceeded expectations. The candidate seamlessly integrated with the team, contributed valuable insights, and delivered high-quality work. Equally important, they got a genuine feel for what it’s like to work at Strife.
Looking Ahead
We’re excited to continue refining our work trial process. It’s a significant investment of time and resources, but the payoff—a team that’s aligned, committed, and collaborative—is well worth it.
If you’re interested in joining Strife and experiencing a work trial firsthand, drop us an email.