[mooreds]

A trial period is a great idea only if the switching of jobs is not disruptive to both parties.

When you switch jobs in the USA, you switch health insurance and other benefits. Doing this for 3 months and then finding another job would be tedious.

Also, if it doesn't work out, what does the candidate do? Go hunt for another job with a negative signal on their resume? If I were a job seeker that would seem high risk.

This is the same reason contract to hire positions don't attract everyone. If you are good enough, the company will commit to you without the trial period, which candidates typically want.

Optionality has value, and both parties can't possess it.

[phlo]

> When you switch jobs in the USA, you switch health insurance and other benefits.

In Switzerland, you'll switch accident coverage and probably the pension fund. Still some work, but not as tedious as what I imagine the situation in the US to be like.

> Go hunt for another job with a negative signal on their resume?

Both parties are free to end employment during the trial period. Maybe the candidate didn't like the work environment? Also, the future employer stands to gain an employee pretty much immediately as opposed to wait for the usual 2-3 months(!) notice period. Finally, unemployment benefits in Switzerland are fairly generous (70% income over 20-ish months), which mitigates the risk to candidates somewhat.

[pmiller2]

Simply having a 3 month tenure on a résumé is a questionable signal to one's next employer, regardless of circumstances.