[bewatson]

As a recent graduate, I know many people who used the "free work for a short term" method to get in the door for a new job. It isn't going to work at very large companies, but at startups and agencies, absolutely. "Illegal" sure, but a smart manager wouldn't turn down a chance to get a great look at a potential employee

[Phlarp]

A smart manager would know better than to open their company up to potential employment litigation.

Unpaid wages are one of the few offenses that can "pierce the corporate veil" and leave founders/owners personally liable.