Many ventures have internship programs for students and young professionals alike. For one, interns give businesses a fresh input, which is a vital factor if you feel like your team has exhausted all your creative juices over your last couple of meetings.
In addition to that, interns may also help boost your social strategy. And aside from getting extra pairs of hands to accomplish tasks, the internship program may also pave the way for you to find entry-level hires.
If you want to find interns but don’t know where to look, here are a few ways to meet energetic people to join your team.
1. Your website
One way to find interns for free is to post about it on your website. Chances are, you already have a Careers page where you post about job vacancies. Though interns don’t get the same pay and benefits as bona fide employees, they’re also considered a part of your team, albeit temporary. In that sense, internships fit the Careers category on your website.
2. Social media
Most young people are on social media for hours in a day, so why not use this channel to find interns? You can share the internship post on your Careers page through social platforms like Facebook or Twitter. Or, better yet, take advantage of a professional networking platform like LinkedIn to announce your internship program.
3. Career websites
Many young people turn to career websites to find internships. That being said, it’s a great way to meet interested applicants halfway. Job search websites like Indeed, Job.com, and Ziprecruiter allow companies to post job vacancies and alert job seekers when an opportunity fits their qualifications. Similarly, you can also post in other online career search channels, such as alumni network websites.
4. Job fairs
If you’re pondering how to find interns for your startup fast, job fairs may offer a practical solution. For one, job fairs allow for interaction, which allows you and the applicant to gauge if it’s the right fit. Added to that, participating in job fair events, such as career talks may allow you to expand your brand reach. You’ll also have more allowance to explain what you do and what the brand stands for.
5. Referral system
Last but not least in your tips to find interns is to accept referrals. This may mean referral from previous interns, partners, or current employees. Another channel to get referrals is by getting in touch with colleges and universities. By letting them know that you have open slots for interns, they could pass the message to students. In addition to that, they may even help screen qualified applicants.
Here’s one last tip – make sure that your internship program is excellent. That way, you’ll gain a reputation for mentorship and training, and, as a result, interns will be the ones looking to apply to your company. Even if you don’t absorb them as new hires, making sure that they learn practical, industry-ready skills will already result in a win-win situation.
