Hiring interns can be a great way to strengthen your business and provide wonderful opportunities for students and young professionals. Find out how to navigate this process, from writing intern job descriptions to handling intern onboarding.
Establish an Internship Program With Clear Goals and Expectations
Sometimes, business owners incorrectly assume that interns are nothing more than a cheap labor source. Don’t make this mistake. Set goals and expectations for new hires so they can succeed in the role and ultimately drive your business forward.
Do you need help spreading the word about your business? Create internship agreements on marketing and advertising tasks, such as content creation and social media engagement.
Follow Local Guidelines From the Department of Labor
Hiring interns without complying with local labor laws can subject your business to various penalties. Avoid legal ramifications by adhering to the specific intern guidelines for your state. A third-party HR consultant can help you establish an effective internship program that adheres to the law.
Build Relationships With Local Institutions for Effective Recruiting
It’s now time to think about how you’ll recruit and screen candidates. Many programs cater to college students looking to gain experience in the workforce before earning their degrees. Foster a relationship with a nearby college or university and offer academic credit internships to their students.
You’ll consistently have a pool of candidates available and welcome new talent every semester or academic year. To find the right fit, write detailed job descriptions and look for eager applicants during candidate screenings.
Internship applicants likely won’t have much valid working experience. However, ask about their academic background, aspirations, and ability and willingness to learn on the job to see if they could support your business in the role.
For example, the manager of a financial services company might want to develop an internship program where students can measure client portfolios. This role requires ample knowledge of expense tracking and profit margins. As a result, they should focus their search on students majoring in finance, accounting, or a similar field.
Devote Time To Train and Mentor Interns
Bringing new team members on board is exciting for everyone who will work with them. Compared to the hiring process, the real challenge starts on an employee’s first day.
Don’t throw your interns into the deep end and expect them to stay afloat. Develop an onboarding presentation for their first day of work and guide them through various tasks and projects. Remember that the role comes with a learning curve, and be patient with students as they familiarize themselves with the job.
Ensure business leaders are readily available to answer questions and mentor students. A robust training program helps interns feel comfortable in their roles and prevents mistakes that could impact daily operations.
Take Charge of the Hiring Process With 45 Solutions
Hiring interns for your business can be a breeze when you partner with 45 Solutions. We offer proven strategies for hiring, retaining talent, and improving HR practices. Book a call today to get started.
