Intern Blog Post: Finding an Intern - Is the cake worth the candle?

In our present economy, a college degree with an exceeding grade point average or even a diploma with a difficult area of expertise is not enough to set one apart from other job applicants. Companies want something more, something like “real world experience”. However, recent college graduates may ask, “How do I get the ‘real world experience’, if a company is not willing to hire me without it?” Well, companies are willing to hire them; as an intern! 

We are in an age where experience sets one apart and although interns may not necessarily be paid for a position; there are several other rewards they will receive. An internship gives hands on experience that cannot be taught in the classroom to help one’s future career. These intangible benefits include professional skills, on the job training in a specific area, networking opportunities and significant experience to add to one’s resume. Interns are given priceless knowledge along with potential college credits (which is fundamentally the same as money). And, now that we understand how important and useful an internship is and how essential it is to undergraduate resumes, we must realize just how many students will be applying to such a position. So, how does a company source the right talent? We’ve all heard horror stories of an intern who just didn’t follow directions, or perform the duties and responsibilities expected by the company. It is also important to remember that when you hire a new intern, you are spending valuable resources to train and coach them. How can companies avoid hiring the wrong candidate?

Businesses are looking for an intern who will bring value to their company while taking advantage of the information and direction given to them by other employees and management. Some organizations are paying fees (which can add up quite quickly) to source talent from multiple, disparate resources such as third party vendors or internship websites. Is there an easier way to go about finding a hard-working intern?

Applicant Tracking System (ATS). Applicant tracking software provides recruiters with collaborative tools that help them attract, screen, and hire the best talent, giving them an edge over the competition. Recruiters are able to create specialized recruitment campaigns designed exclusively for interns through online university career portals. Recruiters can then easily source those hard-working interns they originally set out to find. 

Not only does a web-based applicant tracking program improve the process of finding a prospective intern, but it can also reduce the costs associated with hiring interns. No longer are third party vendors needed. Additionally, through these online career portals, interns can upload resumes, complete an online application, and utilize email-based communication. Think of all of the paper an organization can save!

An ATS can also foster candidate engagement. Meaning, in this case, more interns will apply to a company with an ATS. Why is this? An ATS simplifies the entire application process enabling a stress-free, time-saving way to apply to a job. 

As a company it is important to ask yourself: Are your interns adding true value and helping your company succeed? And more importantly, do you have the tools to find the cake that’s worth the candle or the intern whose worth your company and employees’ knowledge, time, resources and dedication?