就業難成了困擾畢業生的大問題。為了能得到一份工作，有些同學甚至提出"零工資"就業。這種方法可取嗎？事實上，美國的學生們也面臨著同樣的問題。

While the idea of volunteering to work for a company for free to get your foot in the door sounds good in theory, in reality, it is simply a bad idea. 這牽涉到法律和道德問題。

Were the company to take you up on your offer, in most cases the employer would be breaking the law. 除了為一些非盈利性的組織和政府機構工作，法律規定只要你工作，就應該得到報酬，而且報酬不應該低于最低薪資標準。

"Even nonprofit and governmental organizations using volunteers cannot assign them to tasks similar to work customarily performed by employees. Volunteers cannot be involved in the nonprofit's work that is a commercial enterprise competing with other businesses (such as a church thrift store or a hospital gift shop). And if you're seeking to volunteer for a for-profit business, think again. You cannot waive the right to receive the minimum wage for the work you do; otherwise, employers could routinely exploit desperate employees by asking them to waive all or part of their wages. A reputable company is not going to risk legal liability by hiring "volunteers" - not when you could later sue them for back wages and penalties covering the hours you worked. However, as state laws vary, you should consult with a local attorney regarding the idea of working for free."

Rather than "working for free," here are a few other ideas to get your foot in the door (對中國學生也同樣適用):

1. Volunteer for nonprofits to gain experience;
2. Agree to work for a lower wage for a probationary period (試用期);
3. Register with numerous temp agencies; or
4. Become active in trade, professional, or civic organizations and indicate your desire to work for the organization.

Your persistence will produce results, but don't allow companies to take advantage of you.

（改編自：英文薈萃 原作者Don Straits 英語點津 Annabel 編輯）