Because it gives you a chance to see if you like working for/with this company/person. Typically in an interview you don't meet with or talk to everyone you wi

Because it gives you a chance to see if you like working for/with this company/person. Typically in an interview you don't meet with or talk to everyone you will be working with. You might find out 2 weeks in that the guy sitting next to you is someone you just can't work with long term. Better to do that knowing that you can leave anytime and continue the search than have to start all over from square one. By doing a contract basis for a bit it lets both sides 'test the waters'. With that said, it's not for everyone. I myself prefer it.