Horrible advice.<p>The main problem is that it is impossible to understand the company and how it operates from outside. And larger companies are divided into organizations and each organization is quite different. Of course, it is very important to investigate the company and learn as much as you want about it but be aware that information you gather might not be correct and up to date: there will always large number of unknown unknowns.<p>The other problem is that &quot;always volunteer to work for free prior to getting hire&quot; is that you are starting your negotiation from very very low anchor.<p>In short, do not think as buyer (I want to work here), you need to think as salesman (I want to sell myself).