Most companies have already started, or have even finished, hiring summer interns. Sadly, many times, the intern who shows up on the first day is not the person represented in the résumé or throughout the interview. Employers should be able to spot and correct early warning signs, as well as be prepared to teach new interns the tricks of the trade in order to create a successful work environment for the intern and your company.
Two definite signs that an intern is not going to work out are a lack of questions and tardiness. Alone, each shows that the intern is not committed to the job and has no interest in improvement. Together, they’re dangerous to the company. Additionally, today’s college students spend a lot of time with texting, Twitter, and Facebook. Oftentimes, this leads to young professionals not understanding the difference between work time and personal time. It’s a clear warning sign of impending trouble when interns cannot abide by these workplace rules. Other deal breakers include inappropriate language, a distasteful attitude, and inappropriate behavior. Being insensitive and rude only contributes to a hostile work environment. All of these can be corrected if clear boundaries are set in the very beginning on what’s considered appropriate use of time and conduct in a professional workplace. Much of this can be avoided by providing mentoring and coaching for the intern so he can work and learn professional protocol in a non-threatening manner.
To read the full, original article click on this link: Red Flags: How to Tell if Your Interns are a Good Fit
