[jotux]

How is trying out a practical for anything other than unemployed new grads? I see this constantly suggested but I don't know a single person who would even consider quitting or taking vacation time to go work for a prospective company.

[chris_mahan]

Although this would work for people who are unemployed. I took a 3 months contract position, and I was hired full time after 1 year. It's been 2.5 years and I'm still at the company.

[scrabble]

The only way I'd consider doing this is taking vacation if I'm being paid a rate that is significantly higher than my current rate.

Otherwise, just ask for a coded solution to some specific problem or user story and I'll work on it after hours and send it in.

[wpietri]

Depends a lot on the person. If somebody has done consulting or contract work, it's a pretty natural thing. I've done it both as an employee and an employer.