During economic hardships, companies conserve cash. That means cutting back on hiring or laying off employees. So what is a job-seeker to do in these times? Can we take a lesson from consumer product companies that give away free samples? Should you work for free or at a huge discount? Is this a brilliant strategy or desperation? We look at the PRO's and CON's of this strategy, and show how a VP or sales, marketing, accounting or engineering professional can implement this.