Q: To make sure we hire the right people, we bring in prospects to shadow an employee so that we can see whether the candidate has the right skills/abilities for the job and so that the candidate gets a realistic representation of the job. Is there anything wrong with doing this?
A: Absolutely not. I think it makes sense for each of you to assess whether the “fit” is right before you hire the candidate. That said, you should pay the candidate at least minimum wage for the time spent shadowing the employee. You can include the pay in the candidate's first paycheck if she is hired, or simply cut a check to her if you decide not to hire her. For added protection, you may want to process a W4 and I9.
Independent Insurance Agents of Virginia