Even though they probably don't get looked at, someone of authority may get wind of your abilities. I do believe it is possible that this could help get your foot in the door.

In my case, the Manager in charge of the freelance pool saw my on-line portfolio (through a word of mouth recommendation from a MAC Artist that knew my work). She then directed me through the proper channels to get into the up-coming Freelance Audition. This all happened within 3 weeks. I freelanced with MAC for a bit. Then, when openings became available in my area, I got 3 offers for permanent positions from 3 different MAC Counters.

I had to nail my freelance audition, of course; I also know several people who are very frustrated by the fact that they haven't even been able to get into the last 4 freelance auditions.

So, you never know.

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