Management Tip of the Day: Use "Returnships" to Bring in Fresh Talent

Are you having trouble viewing this email? If so, click here to see it in a web browser. HOME   |   TIPS   |   BLOGS   |   THE MAGAZINE   |   BOOKS   |   STORE RSS   |   Mobile DECEMBER 3, 2012 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: 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. 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. 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 Managers are often reluctant to consider people who've been out of the workforce, fearing that their skills are out-of-date.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. Today's Management Tip was adapted from "The 40-Year-Old Intern" by Carol Fishman Cohen. Read the article and join the discussion » Share Today's Tip: FEATURED PRODUCT Managing Global Innovation: Frameworks for Integrating Capabilities around the World Ebook Now Available Yves Doz and Keeley Wilson show how to build and leverage a global innovation network. Drawing on extensive research and a wealth of real company examples, the authors walk you through a set of practical frameworks for acquiring and integrating innovation-critical knowledge from multiple far-flung sources. Bridging theory and practice, Managing Global Innovation gives you the know-how and the tools you need to harness critical expertise from around the globe and channel it into your innovation programs. ADVERTISEMENT Follow the Tip: PREVIOUS TIPS What You Can Do To Prevent Layoffs Keep Your To-Do List Fresh with the 3-Day Rule Delegate, Delegate, Delegate Don't Waste Your Organization's Anniversary Turn a Relationship Into a Sale Use Sound Bites to Make Your Presentation Stick Ask These 3 Questions Before Joining that Start-Up Energize Your Network New Job? Only Make the Sacrifices You Want To Keep Your Team Small All Previous Tips BEST SELLERS HBR's 10 Must Reads: The Essentials HBR's 10 Must Reads Library Set Guide to Persuasive Presentations Guide to Better Business Writing Guide to Getting the Right Work Done Introducing Mobile ManageMentor Powered by the proven content of Harvard ManageMentor™ iTunes >> Android >> UNSUBSCRIBE   |   UPDATE YOUR PROFILE   |   MORE EMAIL NEWSLETTERS   |   PRIVACY POLICY Was this email forwarded to you? If so, sign up to start receiving your own copy. ABOUT THIS MAILING LIST You have received this message because you subscribed to the "Management Tip of the Day" email newsletter from Harvard Business Review. If at any point you wish to remove yourself from this list, change your email address, or sign up for other email newsletters and alerts, please visit the Harvard Business Review Email Newsletter Preference Center. OPT OUT If you do not wish to receive any email messages from Harvard Business Review, click here. ADVERTISE WITH HBR This enewsletter is read by thousands of decision makers every day. Learn more about connecting your brand with this audience. Copyright © 2012 Harvard Business School Publishing, an affiliate of Harvard Business School. All rights reserved. Harvard Business Publishing | 60 Harvard Way | Boston, MA 02163 Customer Service: 800-545-7685 (+1-617-783-7600 outside the U.S. and Canada)