Career Strategy·

Free Trial Work Week - An Experiment to Find My Next Role

An experiment to stand out and find my next role & company

Let's be real—finding the right job, especially within European startups, can feel like navigating an endless maze. I've been there, watching my passive job search turn active, pouring hours into applications, and still feeling stuck in a cycle that leaves both me and potential employers with doubts.

Job Search Challenge

Why This Approach?

While passively job hunting, I noticed something striking about the traditional hiring process. Companies typically invest over 100 hours to hire the right person, even for entry-level roles. The average Time to Hire (TTH) stretches to 35-45 hours of active engagement, and for senior positions, it can extend to 60-90 days.

According to industry benchmarks, companies typically spend 36-42 days on average to fill a position. For senior roles, this can extend to 60-90 days, with companies investing 100+ hours in the hiring process! Source: Carv.com

Think about all the time spent on:

  • Multiple interview rounds
  • Hypothetical case studies
  • Lengthy assessment processes
  • Coordinating with various stakeholders

Even after all this effort, both parties often remain uncertain about the fit. That's why I thought—why not channel this same time and energy into something more practical? Instead of solving hypothetical problems, why not work on actual challenges the company is facing?

My Proactive Solution: The Trial Work Week

I'm offering a unique proposition: a one-week trial period where I can demonstrate my value while companies can evaluate my fit in real-time. This isn't just about showing skills; it's about creating tangible value while assessing mutual compatibility.

Instead of spending 35-45 hours on traditional hiring processes, let's invest that time in hands-on collaboration with measurable results.

Why a Trial Work Week?

Finding the right job shouldn't feel like gambling. By offering a trial work week, both you and I can:

  • Assess Fit: Experience real work dynamics instead of relying solely on interviews.
  • Build Trust: Engage in meaningful projects that demonstrate mutual compatibility.
  • Create Value: Deliver immediate contributions to your company's goals.

Core Competencies

Account Management

Experienced in managing key accounts and driving sales processes

Data Analysis

Proficient in operational roles and data analysis

Development

Recently acquired coding skills for building internal products

Automation

Expert in LinkedIn automation and process efficiency

⚡ What Can I Do During the Free Trial?

💼 Comprehensive Skill Application

With a diverse background in account management, sales, operations, data analysis, and development, I bring an M-shaped skill set that spans multiple verticals. Here's how I can contribute:

1. Creation of Playbooks

Transform existing manual processes into structured playbooks for enhanced team efficiency. This involves:

  • Documenting workflows currently managed through various tools like spreadsheets or Notion.
  • Standardizing processes to ensure consistency and scalability.

2. Market Research & Analysis

Conduct comprehensive analysis to inform your business strategy, including:

  • Pricing Strategies: Optimize your pricing models based on market trends and competitor analysis.
  • Go-To-Market (GTM) Plans: Develop effective strategies to launch products successfully.
  • Customer Churn Analysis: Identify reasons behind customer attrition and propose retention strategies.
  • Product Feedback Surveys: Gather and analyze feedback to shape the product roadmap.

3. 🤖 Process Automation

Streamline your operations by automating repetitive tasks, such as:

  • LinkedIn Automation: Enhance your lead generation and outreach efforts.
  • Sales Process Automation: Implement tools to manage and track sales activities efficiently.
  • Workflow Automation: Create plug-and-play tools that your team can utilize beyond the trial period.

Building Trust & Growth

🤝 Professional Assurance

  • 🔒 Full NDA compliance to protect your confidential information
  • ::icon{name="i-heroicons-chat-bubble-left-right"} Transparent communication throughout the trial period
  • 🤝 Leveraging my network to benefit your company
  • 🎯 Results-driven approach to ensure tangible outcomes

Value Proposition

During the trial period, I contribute directly through:
  • Solution building
  • Lead management
  • Demo setup
  • Client communication

Benefits for Companies

🎯 Better Assessment of Fit

  • Experience real work dynamics instead of hypothetical scenarios
  • Evaluate cultural alignment through actual collaboration
  • Assess skills in practical, company-specific contexts
  • Make confident hiring decisions based on tangible results
Skip the traditional interview rounds and case studies—see actual performance on your real business challenges.

⚡ Immediate Value Creation

Backlog Management

Clear pressing tasks while evaluating fit

Process Optimization

Document and streamline existing workflows

Fresh Perspective

Get external insights on your operations

Customer Insights

Gather and analyze customer feedback

🛡️ Risk-Free Trial

  • No financial commitment during the trial period
  • Full NDA protection for company information
  • Flexible engagement terms
  • Clear deliverables and expectations

🚀 Strategic Advantages

  • Convert mental models into standardized processes
  • Document tribal knowledge for scaling teams
  • Implement automation for repetitive tasks
  • Create playbooks for consistent operations
While I handle immediate operational needs, your team can focus on strategic priorities and core business growth.

FAQs

I understand the importance of mutual benefits in this arrangement. Here's what's in it for you:

  • Confidentiality: I can sign an NDA with your company to ensure that any confidential data I access during the trial week remains secure. I won't share it with competitors or use it for personal projects.
  • Evaluation: This trial period allows you to assess my fit within your company without the long commitment of a traditional hiring process.
  • Value Creation: Anything I build during this week can be used for your company without any cost. Even if I don't create new products, I can handle tasks that free up your team's bandwidth, such as setting up demos, reaching out to clients, and managing leads.
  • Networking: I'm open to receiving a LinkedIn recommendation from you and being referred to other contacts in your network who might be seeking someone with my generalist skill set.
  • Finding the Right Fit: This period helps both of us determine if we're the right match for a long-term collaboration, ensuring that your company finds someone who truly appreciates and complements your existing team.

Confidentiality is paramount. I'm willing to sign a Non-Disclosure Agreement (NDA) to guarantee that all sensitive information I access remains secure. This ensures that your company's data is protected and that I won't leverage it for competing purposes or personal projects.

The trial week offers me the opportunity to:

  • Understand Your Company: Gain a deep insight into your company culture, workflows, and team dynamics.
  • Find the Right Fit: Determine if your company aligns with my career goals and work style.
  • Expand My Network: Receive LinkedIn recommendations and referrals to other potential opportunities within your network.
  • Showcase My Skills: Demonstrate my ability to contribute effectively to real projects, enhancing my portfolio.

During the trial week, I can assist with:

  • Lead Management: Clearing out stagnant leads and setting up demos.
  • Client Communication: Engaging with clients to address their needs and concerns.
  • Process Optimization: Streamlining existing workflows to enhance efficiency.
  • Solution Building: Implementing solutions tailored to your company's specific challenges.
  • Operational Support: Handling tasks that require heavy lifting, allowing your team to focus on strategic initiatives.

Conclusion

This proactive approach transforms the traditional job search into a collaborative venture, creating value for both parties while establishing a foundation for long-term success.

Future Success