I had a young friend who was escaping an abusive relationship with a cop husband .. years ago. I approached a formerly unknown potential employer and asked him how long it would take for him to know if she was a good bet or not. He said.. "two weeks".. So I told him that I would front him her salary for two weeks and if she turned out to be a keeper.. he owed me my money.. If she wasn't, he could fire her and keep it. Worked out beautifully.