How Local Businesses Can Leverage Handshake for Interns and Hiring

Local businesses face unique challenges when it comes to attracting and retaining top talent. However, with the right tools and strategies in place, they can tap into a wealth of local talent and build a skilled workforce that drives success. One such tool that local businesses can leverage is Handshake—a powerful platform that connects college students and recent graduates with internship and job opportunities.

In this blog, we’ll explore how local businesses can harness the power of Handshake to find interns and make strategic hires that fuel growth and innovation.

1. Access to a Diverse Pool of Talent: Handshake provides local businesses with access to a diverse pool of college students and recent graduates from universities and colleges in their area. By posting internship and job opportunities on Handshake, businesses can attract candidates with a wide range of skills, backgrounds, and experiences, enriching their workforce with fresh perspectives and ideas.

2. Targeted Recruitment: Local businesses can use Handshake’s advanced search and filtering tools to target candidates based on specific criteria such as location, major, skills, and interests. This targeted approach ensures that businesses connect with candidates who are the best fit for their internship or job openings, increasing the likelihood of finding qualified candidates quickly and efficiently.

3. Streamlined Hiring Process: Handshake streamlines the hiring process for local businesses by providing a centralized platform for posting job listings, managing applications, and communicating with candidates. Businesses can review resumes, schedule interviews, and extend offers seamlessly through the platform, saving time and resources typically spent on manual recruitment tasks.

4. Building Relationships with Colleges and Universities: Handshake facilitates collaboration between local businesses and colleges/universities in their area, fostering mutually beneficial partnerships. Businesses can use Handshake to connect with career services offices, attend campus events, and participate in networking opportunities, allowing them to establish a presence within the local academic community and build relationships with future talent.

5. Supporting Local Talent Development: By offering internships and job opportunities through Handshake, local businesses play a crucial role in supporting the development of local talent. Internships provide students with valuable hands-on experience and exposure to real-world work environments, helping them develop skills and competencies that are essential for success in their chosen field.

6. Promoting Community Engagement: Participating in Handshake not only benefits individual businesses but also contributes to the overall economic growth and vitality of the local community. By hiring locally, businesses stimulate job creation, support small businesses, and foster a sense of community pride and engagement.

7. Leveraging Digital Networking and Branding Opportunities: Handshake offers local businesses opportunities to showcase their brand and culture to a wide audience of potential candidates. By maintaining an active presence on the platform, businesses can engage with students and recent graduates, share company updates and events, and cultivate a strong employer brand that resonates with local talent.

Conclusion: In today’s interconnected world, local businesses have unprecedented access to talent and resources that can drive their success and sustainability. By leveraging platforms like Handshake, local businesses can tap into the rich pool of local talent, build strategic partnerships with colleges and universities, streamline their hiring processes, and contribute to the growth and prosperity of their communities. With the right tools and strategies in place, local businesses can unlock their full potential and thrive in today’s competitive marketplace.