I have been looking for a part-time job to supplement my income while I complete my Ph.D. Last week, I was interviewed by a company. Their job description was intentionally nebulous and they strategically left out the part that they want you to work for free.
The HR manager showed me the company right after my interview. He said they have bagels every Friday and free pizza once a month. He sounded like a used-car salesman. When I cut through the chase and asked him about compensation, he gave me a long-winded explanation intended to disorient me. The bottom line is that they don't pay. He said it's a great company and working for them for 6 months will look great on my résumé because I'll have a chance to work with very smart people and on fun projects, and don't forget the bagels every Friday and free pizza once a month. Plus, he said that tons of people would be honored to work for them.
These people are nuts. I cut him off and laughed in his face. What a waste of time. He did say that they might hire me full-time after 6 months.
I did a bit of research, and found two hidden negative reviews complaining about this company extorting free labor through unscrupulous stratagems with the promise they will hire you after the 6-month trial period. Except that it looks like they toss you away after 6 months and find another idiot to scam.
How is this even legal in the US?