Why and how we do work trials at Linear

Linear employs paid work trials as a distinctive recruitment strategy to ensure that candidates possess the necessary skills and judgment for their startup environment. These trials involve candidates working on real projects with the team over a 2-5 day period, allowing both the company and the candidates to evaluate fit beyond what traditional interviews provide. Throughout the process, candidates have access to relevant tools and resources, and their performance is assessed based on their ability to collaborate, take initiative, and solve problems effectively. This approach has proven successful for Linear, contributing to a high retention rate and enabling the company to scale effectively. While acknowledging that work trials require significant time and commitment, Linear remains committed to this method for its effectiveness in aligning team and candidate expectations and ensuring a mutual fit.