So, you build some applications for your clients but they are password-protected of course, and the data therein is sensitive, containing names, addresses, etc. You don't want to give your prospective employer access to use these applications of course.
How do you go off showing your work without getting anyone into any kinds of sticky situations? (And for each suggestion, do you need to talk to your current employer about it?)
EDIT: My work is all ASP.net applications...
Show them same demo site with dummy data that you used with the clients for acceptance testing?
Speak with your current client to see if its ok to demo your work but always use dummy data. It would be unprofessional to show off confidential applications and especially data.
If you have a good relationship with your current employer this should be no problem.
As with all online legal advice, this is worth every dollar you paid for it.
The issue lies with who owns the work. In most cases (in the absence of an agreement to the contrary), the client owns the work, which means you have no legal right to use it. You do need to speak with the employer in every instance and see if it would be acceptable to demonstrate the site with dummy data.
I have personally never had to give a demonstration of an actual product in order to get hired. I'm sure there are people that have, though.