Horrible and exploitative. Do not apply for this place. Seems like they want you to have a masters degree in waitressing or something just to succeed.
I sent in my application via email, and received a text from the manager of the Brisbane City Queen Street cafe asking me to participate in a two hour unpaid trial so they can see my skills. I have never worked in a cafe as a waitress before, but I was working in hospitality for a catering company. So how hard can this job even be for me?
I arrived early for my two hour trial. I met the manager, the barista lady and the pastry lady (?). The barista lady gave me a contract and told me that signing it means that I have understood that I am not getting paid, not am I guaranteed a job. Fair enough.
So the manager tells me that I have to listen to the bell to deliver the food, clean tables, wash dishes, take out the trash and serve to customers. As aforementioned, I have never worked in a cafe as a waitress so I did make a few small mistakes such as not hearing the bell but I eventually picked up on it and got the hang of it. I did this for two hours and I thought I did great, especially demonstrating how I am a quick learner and can adapt fast. The manager told me that she was going to contact me to ask me about my 'history' or whatever.
One week later I get no text back. So I texted the manager asking for feedback. No reply.
Yes, I understand that it was explicitly specified that it was an UNPAID work trial for two hours, but it is absolutely horrid that they used me for free labour and did not even TEXT ME BACK to at least ADVISE ME on my progress. Utterly unprofessional to keep me in the dark about my application progress when I gave up MY time and energy to work for them
It's not even a difficult job. But I guess that this unprofessional, exploitative way of 'interviewing' shows how toxic this workplace would be.
Not to mention, one of the waitresses who worked there said hi, asked my name, but didn't even look at me or acknowledge me like a proper human. You're literally there to be used and discarded. Such a gross and toxic environment.