Safari Solutions Newsletter
April 2008, Volume #39
Build your talent pipeline through interns! Often used as an affordable recruiting tool, effective internship programs provide many unique benefits. Read on to learn how your company may benefit from interns and ways to attract the best talent for your opportunities.
Ann Clifford
Dos and Don'ts
Can you present an intern with an offer at the end of the internship that is contingent on them graduating?
See answer provided below.
Key Benefits to Hiring an Intern
Building a talent pipeline is one of the main reasons companies hire interns. Internships provide both the employer and intern an opportunity to "test drive" the employment arrangement before making a final hiring decision. Interns also provide companies with these added benefits:
Extra manpower to tackle key projects.
Fresh ideas that stretch the status quo.
Expertise in needed areas such as technology.
Although extra management time will need to be devoted to mentoring and training interns, the benefits pay off in lower hiring costs and lower employee turnover.
(By Allison Witmeier, Safari Solutions, HR Consultant)
5 Ways to Get Interns to say "Yes" to Offers
According to a 2008 study by the National Association of Colleges and Employers (NACE), employers say they extend job offers to nearly 70 percent of their interns. The best way to increase the number of accepted offers is to provide interns with meaningful work. Gone are the days of filing and photocopying. Today's interns seek real work experiences that will supercharge their resumes and jumpstart their careers. Offer the following opportunities to provide rewarding intern experiences:
Take interns to client and prospect meetings. Discuss strategies and outcomes.
Diversify their workload. Expose them to projects in different areas of your company.
Provide creativity and control. Allow interns to manage assignments in their field of expertise.
Offer real client work and assign a mentor to assist them.
Encourage them to speak and share their ideas in staff meetings.
(By Ron Giles, HR Consultant, Safari Solutions)
What Do You Think?
What projects have interns successfully completed for you? Share your experiences on the Safari Solutions Blog!
Safari Solutions Blog
Safari Interview Tip
Ask intern candidates, "How will this internship experience prepare you for your future career?" The candidate's answer will uncover whether they have thoughtfully mapped out their career path.
Safari Success Story
Safari Solutions has assisted SlingShot, a professional training/job placement service, with placing six candidates in rewarding summer internships and externships. SlingShot interns participate in valuable professional sales training which prepares them for their future careers. Interested in an intern to supplement your sales team? Call Safari for more information! 888-578-1310
Did You Know
According to a study by the National Association of Colleges and Employers (NACE), more than 1/3 of employers reported higher than normal retention rates among those converted from intern to employee within the first year of hire. Nearly half said interns had higher retention five years after hire.
Safari Quiz
What is the number one factor students take into consideration when making an internship decision?
A. Pay
B. Hours
C. Job Content
D. Work Environment
Click Here for the Answer.
Answer to Today's Dos and Don'ts
Can you present an intern with an offer at the end of the internship that is contingent on them graduating?
Offering an intern a position before they graduate is an excellent way to increase the odds that they will join your team. And, making the offer contingent on graduation is acceptable. However, it is important to mention in your offer that the employment is "at will" and not a guarantee. Also, remember that even if you have an accepted offer, the student may receive other enticing offers. Stay in touch and continue recruiting them throughout the remainder of their time in school.
(By Allison Witmeier, HR Consultant, Safari Solutions)
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