Hiring Marketing Interns: Strategies For Success

how to hire intern student for marketing

Marketing interns can be a great asset to any business, bringing fresh perspectives and assisting with various tasks. They can gain valuable experience in the field and take on some of the workload from senior marketing employees. When hiring a marketing intern, it is important to consider the skills and qualifications required for the role, craft a compelling job description, and identify the best platforms for finding interns. Online job boards such as Indeed and Craigslist are popular choices for finding qualified candidates, and texting has been found to be an effective way to communicate with applicants. It is also important to screen resumes and structure interviews to select the ideal candidate. Companies should also consider their specific needs and whether they require a full-time or part-time intern, as well as the different roles that interns can take on within the marketing team.

Characteristics Values
Job boards Indeed, Craigslist, Handshake, ZipRecruiter, Freelancer, AngelList, SimplyHired
Communication method SMS, with a 95% open rate
Applicant volume 107 applicants for one Marketing Intern position
Company size Large companies may want to hire full-time interns or teams
Purpose To give interns work experience and to take some workload off senior employees
Qualifications Creativity, analytical skills, and a willingness to learn
Tasks Market research, content creation, social media management, supporting marketing campaigns, data entry, materials preparation, database building, research
Candidate type Entry-level, early career professionals, students
Candidate qualifications Strong academic record, minimum GPA of 3.0 in Marketing major, overall GPA of at least 2.7

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Where to find marketing interns

When looking to hire marketing interns, there are several avenues you can explore to find suitable candidates. Here are some strategies to help you get started:

Online Job Platforms

Posting your internship opportunity on popular online job platforms is a great way to reach a wide pool of candidates. Websites like Indeed, LinkedIn, Glassdoor, SimplyHired, and ZipRecruiter are excellent resources for finding interns. These platforms allow you to post job descriptions, specify requirements and qualifications, and attract candidates with the necessary skills and interests.

Educational Institutions

Maintaining relationships with local colleges and universities is a valuable way to find promising interns. Many educational institutions have career services departments or internship programs that can connect you with talented students seeking internships. Reach out to the relevant departments, attend career fairs, and build connections with professors or advisors who can recommend exceptional students.

Help Wanted Signs

Posting help wanted signs can be an effective way to attract potential interns, especially those interested in starting a career in marketing. Place signs in visible locations around your office or in areas frequented by students, such as university campuses or student centres. Include a brief description of the role and your contact information to encourage interested candidates to apply.

Employee Referrals

Consider hiring from within by exploring existing employees who may be interested in transitioning into the marketing field. Internships are not just for external candidates; they can also be a valuable opportunity for current employees to develop new skills and explore different career paths within your organisation. Encourage employees to spread the word and refer potential candidates from their personal networks as well.

Social Media

Leverage the power of social media to spread the word about your internship opportunity. Post on your company's social media profiles, and encourage employees to share the opening on their networks as well. Utilise professional platforms like LinkedIn to connect with potential candidates and showcase your company as an attractive place for interns to gain valuable experience.

Apprenticeship Programs

Explore the option of offering an apprenticeship program through platforms like Acadium. Apprenticeship programs provide an alternative path to traditional internships and can attract candidates seeking more structured training and mentorship opportunities.

Remember, when hiring marketing interns, it's important to consider candidates with a strong work ethic, creativity, and a willingness to learn. Look for individuals who are familiar with social media platforms, basic marketing strategies, and have some flexibility in their schedules. By utilising these strategies and resources, you'll be well on your way to finding great marketing interns!

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Job description and requirements

Marketing interns are typically entry-level positions, and they can be a great way to bring fresh perspectives and innovative ideas to your team. A good intern will be creative, analytical, and willing to learn.

When creating a job description, it's important to be clear about the type of candidate you're looking for and the specific responsibilities they will have. Marketing interns can assist with market research, content creation, social media management, and supporting marketing campaigns. They can also handle administrative tasks such as data entry and database building. If you're a smaller company, you may want to consider a part-time freelancer with marketing experience, whereas a large company may require a full-time intern or team.

When advertising the role, be sure to post on multiple job boards such as Indeed, Craigslist, and Handshake, which is college-specific. You could also try ZipRecruiter, Freelancer, AngelList, or SimplyHired for remote positions.

In terms of requirements, it's important to screen resumes and conduct interviews to ensure the candidate is a good fit. Look for students with a strong academic record and relevant coursework or club experience. They should be eager to learn and gain experience in a real work environment. Be sure to ask for specific examples of their experience and prepare interview questions to identify their skill set.

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Screening and interviewing

Screening:

Given the volume of applications for internship positions, it is essential to have an efficient screening process to identify candidates who meet your requirements. Start by reviewing resumes and cover letters, looking for specific examples of relevant experience, skills, and qualifications. For instance, creativity, analytical skills, and a willingness to learn are often sought-after attributes for marketing interns.

You can also use screening tools and platforms like Handshake, ZipRecruiter (AI-powered), and Freelancer to help filter and identify potential candidates. These platforms can make it easier to find interns with the desired skill sets and backgrounds.

Interviewing:

The interview stage is crucial for assessing candidates' suitability and fit for the role and your organisation. Structure your interviews to include a mix of behavioural and situational questions to understand their skills, knowledge, and problem-solving abilities. For example, you could ask about their experience with market research, content creation, social media management, or marketing campaigns.

Consider including a practical component in the interview process, such as a short skills test or a case study presentation, to evaluate their creative and analytical abilities.

During the interview, pay attention to their communication skills, enthusiasm, and willingness to learn. Remember that internships are often about providing valuable work experience and mentorship to students, so look for candidates eager to learn and grow in a work environment.

Additional Considerations:

  • Avoid hiring based solely on personal connections or acquaintances. Instead, focus on the candidate's qualifications and work ethic.
  • Be clear about the internship's expectations, responsibilities, and potential for full-time employment to set clear goals for the candidate.
  • Manage your interns effectively once they are hired to ensure a positive and productive experience for everyone involved.

By following these steps and tailoring your approach to your specific needs, you can effectively screen and interview candidates to find the best marketing intern for your team.

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Intern management

Internships are a two-way opportunity, offering students valuable experience in a real work environment and giving companies a chance to gauge potential new team members. Intern management is therefore a critical aspect of the overall internship structure.

As an intern manager, it is important to understand whether your company treats internships as unpaid, educational experiences or paid, working experiences. Successful intern management ensures that both interns and the company are clear on the nature of the working relationship. It is also important to treat unpaid interns fairly. To make interns feel comfortable and confident in their roles, consider hosting an orientation to clarify expectations.

Interns may need time to feel comfortable within their roles. If an intern is experiencing challenges or not meeting expectations, approach them to see how you can help them succeed. Check-ins are a valuable opportunity for interns to discuss their progress and offer feedback. Having a set time and place to review how an internship is going can ease anxiety about raising concerns.

Facilitating mentorship is another important aspect of intern management. As an intern manager, you might act as a mentor or pair interns with other members of the organization who can enrich their experience. For instance, if an intern is interested in nonprofit work, they might shadow someone in the company with a relevant background. Mentors who establish powerful connections with interns can better assess their talents and potential.

There are also various tools available to help with intern management, such as the Intern Management System (IMS) by GradLeaders. IMS can simplify the management of internship programs, automate processes, and develop the next-generation workforce. It includes features such as virtual meetings and live chat, supervisor and mentor portals, reporting and metrics, and surveys and evaluations.

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Full-time vs freelance interns

When hiring interns for marketing, there are three basic options: a staff position, a freelance contract, or an internship. Each option has its own set of risks, benefits, and liabilities that should be carefully considered before making a decision.

Full-time Internship

Full-time interns are always considered employees, even if the internship is unpaid. They follow a schedule established by their employer and may work part-time or full-time. Internships are always temporary, but they offer a higher degree of accountability for their work compared to freelancers. Hiring a full-time intern can be beneficial if the company intends to invest in their growth and development, with the potential for a full-time role down the line.

Freelance Internship

Freelancers are sole proprietors of their own business and work for themselves. They have the flexibility to set their own hours and work schedule while abiding by project deadlines. Freelancers typically have more experience and may command higher rates, but they often work with multiple clients. Hiring a freelance intern can be a good option if the company cannot afford a full-time employee or if the work is project-based.

Factors to Consider

When deciding between a full-time and freelance intern, consider the nature of the work, budget, and level of control desired. Full-time interns may require more mentorship and training, but they can be groomed as potential employees. On the other hand, freelancers may bring more experience and expertise, but they may require higher rates and have less loyalty to the company.

In conclusion, the choice between a full-time and freelance intern depends on the specific needs and goals of the company. Both options have their advantages and disadvantages, and careful consideration should be given to ensure a successful working relationship.

Frequently asked questions

Online job boards such as Indeed, Craigslist, and ZipRecruiter are great places to find qualified marketing interns. You can also try college-specific recruiting platforms like Handshake.

Marketing interns typically assist with market research, content creation, social media management, and supporting marketing campaigns. So, be sure to include these in your job description. You should also mention that interns will have the opportunity to gain work experience and build valuable connections.

A marketing intern should possess a mix of creativity, analytical skills, and a willingness to learn. They should also have some knowledge of communication, quantitative/qualitative research, campaign creation, and understanding their audience.

Resume screening is an important step in identifying potential candidates. You can also use a skills test to evaluate candidates' creativity and analytical skills.

If you don't require a full-time intern or can't afford one, you can consider hiring a part-time freelancer with marketing experience. Alternatively, you can explore internship programs with local colleges, where students can gain course credit for their internships.

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