A few years back there was a lot of flap and furor about unpaid internships. In NYS I believe legislation was passed regulating unpaid work. I... would Google laws for unpaid labor in your state or call an information line at the Department of Labor in your state for clarity. more

It's not illegal to work for someone for free. that's on YOU. what is illegal is if you are hired, promised a paycheck, and then you don't get paid.

Two and a half months is a short period.Be patient.Regarding future employment was communication in writing.?If not there is nothing... binding.
Depending on the country labour laws interns can be paid a minimum amount. more

That’s against the law. I would go to the department of labor and file a claim.

Leaving a negative impression would make all this effort feel wasted. It’s best for her to show strong commitment — arrive earlier than everyone else,... stay later when needed, and keep a positive attitude. At the same time, she should quietly look for paid opportunities while continuing to do good work there. She can absolutely list this experience on her résumé, but she doesn’t need to mention that it's unpaid. more

She should bring in free coffee and donuts for one week straight. And on that first day she should submit her volunteer resignation . They will hire... her. more

I wouldn't go beyond 3 months without a guarantee in writing.

It's a big bank.
They can afford a receptionist, or not.
Don't work for free.
A day or two, at most, should be enough to see if she is an appropriate... fit. They really should pay, even for that, as a temp.
This is not a hobby. They are in business, she is in business. Business people charge for what they do. more

this is illegal, it is called wage theft. In the United States, it is illegal for for-profit companies to require or allow employees to work for free... under the Fair Labor Standards Act (FLSA). Even volunteering "off the clock" is a violation of labor laws, and companies face penalties like fines and back pay. Its good you didn't mention the bank name because I would have messaged the BBB if you did. Kinda disheartening you think its ok on any level😒 more

experience is good, and now she should start looking for some other bank to work for.

I would first go back to the initial conversation with the bank. There may also be something in writing. Let us assume the bank offered 6 to 12 months... of unpaid internship, and she joined.
Once the mutually agreed relationship is established, we can examine if she wants to change it and how to accomplish that. Banks deal with public and care about how they are perceived. A large bank is probably owned by stockholders and the money saved does not go in anybody's pocket. I would, therefore, examine the facts first and not start out wasting time in blaming the bank. Good luck. more

Just give a notice of departure in the next one month. Meanwhile work hard and smart. Ensure that you are the most dependable. Have customers... solutions. They will remember you have been doing good. This will make them really need to seal a deal ASAP.  more

Sees illegal to me. No pay? Best she consult with an attorney or the Labor Dpt.

If this is in the US, it can't be legal. If elsewhere, I would document everything about the position I could and add it to my resume. Then, use it to... find an actual job ASAP. more