Are you looking for an extra pair of hands in your small business, but can’t afford to take on yet another employee? Interns are like a secret weapon that can take your small business to new heights. You can develop meaningful opportunities for enthusiastic individuals who are looking to learn new skills and fill a void in your business at the same time. It’s a win-win situation for all parties involved. There is more than one way to find a qualified intern that will enhance your small business. Here are some key points when searching for and hiring interns:
Use Broad Search Terms. High schools and colleges are among the most traditional places to find interns who are willing to work for free. Don’t forget that smaller schools and rural schools are packed with students who are just as eager and hardworking. Expand your reach into outlying areas to maximize your candidate pool. Schools also aren’t the only places that feature talented candidates with strong skill sets. Contact your local job services center to see if there are adults with more experience who are looking to make a career shift. Community centers and public libraries are other valuable forums for posting information about internship opportunities.
Treat Interns Like Employees. Even though interns often work for free, you still need to exercise discretion when interviewing candidates. This means performing background and reference checks to ensure that your candidates are honest, trustworthy and bear a record of excellence. It is also important to set clear guidelines and expectations during the interview. If you fail to do this, you might hire an intern who causes more trouble than they are worth. There is always a danger with internship opportunities. Because they are unpaid, interns may just fail to show up or abuse attendance policies. Don’t slack on your expectations for interns under any circumstances.
Provide Rewards. Even though interns will work for free, it’s important to recognize them for their accomplishments and service. You can do this by providing a token of appreciation at the end of service, such as a gift certificate or movie tickets. Be sure to provide a letter of recommendation as well.
Interns are a great resource for small businesses. If you search for qualified candidates, set guidelines and treat your interns with respect, the rewards for your business will be innumerable.
