Lateral Recruiting from Unpaid Analyst Position

I've been interning at a regional boutique since September while juggling being a full-time student. When the full-time recruitment cycle came around in the Fall, I was completely unprepared as I didn't realize that offers go out in October, and I didn't do nearly enough networking during the Summer.

I missed out on getting an full-time paid offer, but luckily the firm I'm interning at has offered to keep me on full-time as an unpaid analyst while I look for a lateral position. The position is in my hometown, so I can live at home with my parents for free while I'm continue to get deal experience.

Here are my questions --

1) Is there a certain time of year where more one-off analyst opportunities come up?
2) In this situation, would a headhunter be of any use, and when should I contact them? It has never really been explained to me how they are used. 3) How limited will my opportunities be given I'm going from a small boutique? 4) Should I avoid discussing that I'll be in an unpaid position?

Thanks ahead of time!

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