WorkTrial AI today unveiled a hiring platform designed to finally put resumes and “BS interviews” out of their misery. By combining real-work simulations, a multi-dimensional signal engine, and AI-powered evaluation, the startup lets companies see how candidates actually perform on the job before making a hire.
“Hiring has been broken for decades. Resumes lie. Interviews mislead. Stop hiring imposters. With WorkTrial AI, teams finally see the truth — how people actually perform under real-world conditions,” said Michael Guan, Co-Founder of WorkTrial AI. “It’s the most meaningful innovation in recruiting since the invention of the resume.”
Real Work, Real Insights
The platform immerses candidates in realistic work environments using the same tools teams rely on—GitHub, Slack, Notion, and others. Candidates tackle scoped projects aligned with the role, whether engineering, marketing, or product management. These simulations expose problem-solving, collaboration, and workflow skills—traits that traditional interviews rarely reveal.
At the core is WorkTrial AI’s Signal Engine, which captures every meaningful action—from code commits to document edits to Slack interactions—and converts them into quantitative metrics and qualitative insights. AI-powered rubrics assess technical ability, communication, and problem-solving, producing fully traceable reports that link each evaluation to raw activity. This gives hiring managers transparent, auditable, and fair assessments.
Proven Concept, Now Accessible
WorkTrial AI builds on trial-based hiring practices already pioneered by companies like Linear, PostHog, Gumroad, and 37signals. These firms have long used paid work trials instead of traditional interviews, boosting retention, accelerating decisions, and improving cultural fit. WorkTrial AI automates and standardizes this approach, removing friction and making high-signal hiring accessible to teams of all sizes.
Benefits for Employers and Candidates
For employers, WorkTrial AI delivers clarity and evidence, eliminating guesswork. Pre-built role templates allow managers to launch trials in minutes, with standardized rubrics ensuring every candidate is assessed fairly. The result: faster decisions, better alignment, and higher retention.
For candidates, the platform offers transparency and respect. Trials are paid, and each participant receives structured feedback and a record of their work, creating value even if they aren’t hired. No more vague rejections or weeks of silence—just proof, learning, and momentum.
With WorkTrial AI, hiring stops being a gamble. Companies hire stronger teams, and candidates gain meaningful, actionable experience. It’s hiring, finally backed by evidence.
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