Public Sector Trends
Dont Lose Touch with a Potential Employer
By Mark F. Weinberg
While it is difficult for interns to obtain employment at the same time that many local governments have imposed hiring freezes or are being forced to reduce their workforces, it is possible. Many governments are currently cutting salary load without reducing personnel by incentivizing veteran employees at higher salaries to retire and replacing them with entry-level workers. The brightest of interns will make that case prior to the termination of their internships, or correspond with City and County Managers with express recommendations on how they can be added to the workforce in a way that provides both value and overall savings.
Even in the absence of advertised vacancies, a prospect should attempt to secure an "introduction" appointment with the hiring authority to establish personal relationships and learn more about the organization, its plans and its needs. Good things often follow on the heels of such introductions. Proposing short-term contract services when agencies are reluctant or unable to committ to full-time hires may also be a viable option.
