Working for free to find that next job

SOUTHFIELD (WXYZ) - The job market is tight and many people are doing whatever it takes to find that next break, including working for free. Internships aren't just for college students anymore.

Kim Lacapria found a job opportunity at Chocri, a chocolate company. But the job didn't pay. The mother of two still jumped at the opportunity.

"I really wanted to work with a company that had a really cool brand and a really interesting concept. I'm 31 and I have some experience, but I wanted to get some more varied experience," said Lacapria.

Typically internships are considered ideal for the college set. But career consultants say spots for older workers are now popping up in everything from human resources to health care advertising to law.

There's no shortage of takers, from the unemployed as well as those simply seeking a career shift.

"It can be difficult to get your foot in the door somewhere where you have no previous experience," said career consultant Barbara Safani.

"What some people are trying to do is work unpaid for a certain period of time so that they can get the skill set that they need so they can beef up their resume and then apply for a paid position," said Safani.

Before you start, you should know that there are guidlines. Companies are not allowed to take advantage of eager interns. Certain criteria have to be met to make the internship legal.

It has to be educational, the work you're doing shouldn't displace regular workers, and you can't expect a full time position based on your unpaid work. If it works for you, helping out could lead to new connections or even a paid internship.

That's what happened at Kim's company. She was eventually hired for a paid internship.