" 40 years old intern "

  DECEMBER 3, 2012 Monday 

Use "Returnships" to Bring in Fresh Talent

Despite high unemployment, it can be tough to find the right applicants for higher-level positions. Some companies are trying "returnships," where experienced, highly educated workers who have been out of the workforce take on short-term paid positions, with the hope they'll join the firm long-term. Here are three ways to make such a program work:

(1) Model it on your existing internship program.

 The work assigned to returning professionals should be more challenging, but many other elements — the application process, the orientation, and mentorship arrangements — can be similar.

(2) Give participants role models. 

Expose them to high-performing employees who took time off during their own careers. This will give them a sense of the upward mobility they can hope for if they attain a regular position.

(3) Get hiring managers on-board. 

Managers are often reluctant to consider people who've been out of the workforce, fearing that their skills are out-of-date. Set up face-to-face meetings with returnship participants so managers better understand where they're coming from.

"The 40-Year-Old Intern" by Carol Fishman Cohen.