If a potential candidate doesn’t get the gig, or a co-op placement comes to a close, this often signals the end of that person’s relationship with the company – but it doesn’t have to be this way!

In fact according to our 2016 TalentEgg Student Judging Panel Survey, many students and grads want to stay connected with an employer for a variety of reasons, including mentorship and future job opportunities. Of course, it would be nearly impossible to keep in touch with every intern or applicant that crosses your path, but there is an easy fix: creating a talent community.

What is a talent community? According to The Undercover Recruiter, it is “a group of candidates that a company is focused on building a relationship with.” Often created using social media, these communities focus on creating a “two-way dialogue” between the company and its talent pool.

And the benefits are numerous; not only does it allow you easy access to qualified candidates, it’s also an incredible learning opportunity for applicants. While many big companies have been doing this for awhile, organizations of all sizes can reap the rewards of a thriving talent community.

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