Employer FAQ

My internship's status is "Expired." What does that mean?

After an internship's start date has passed, its status will change to "Expired." It will no longer be visible to students. You can fix this in three ways:

1. Change the internship's start date to a date in the future.
2. Make the position inactive by clicking the internship's title in your workspace. Then select "Inactive" from the "Status" dropdown menu.
3. Mark the position as filled.

I keep getting an error message. What do I need to do?

If you are logged in and see an error message that says "You must be logged in as an approved organization to view this page," there is an issue with your browser's cookies. Simply clear your cookies, close your web browser and try logging back in. Here is a helpful website with steps to clear cookies.

If you continue having issues, please email: [email protected].

What is Washington Workforce Portal's confidentiality policy?

View our Privacy Policy

I'm not having luck finding an intern. What can I do?

Make sure that you have filled out your internship's description. The more specific its description, requirements and responsibilities are, the easier it is for students to find you. You can do this by clicking your internship's name located in the "Internships" portion of your dashboard. Then click the "Description" tab to make edits.

Remember that the search for an intern can work both ways! Just as students can use the site to find you, you can use it to find them. Utilize the "Advanced Intern Search" in your dashboard to search for interns by keyword, school, major, location and more.

Please contact us at [email protected] if you are having issues finding interns!

How can I contact an applicant?

You can contact an applicant by the phone number or email address provided in his or her profile. You can also contact a student through our in-site messaging system. Simply click "Contact This Intern" at the bottom of the student's profile.

How can I access a specific applicant's information?

1. Click on "Login/Register," and log-in with your username and password.
2. Scroll down on your dashboard to find the list of applicants.
3. Click on the person's name.
4. Click "Download Resume" located in the grey box on the right side of the page, or at the bottom of the white box containing the applicant's information. If you do not see the "Download Resume" links on the applicant's profile, they might not have a resume uploaded. You may contact the student to request his or her resume.
5. If the applicant uploaded a PDF file, his or her resume will automatically pop up. If the applicant uploaded a .doc or .docx file, his or her resume will download and be available wherever downloaded files are located on your computer.
6. After you open the applicant's resume, you may save and/or print the file if you would like.

Can I put a link on the website?

Yes. You can enter your company web address or links to required applications by clicking "Manage the (your organization's name) profile" located in the gray box on the right side of your dashboard.

Can I change my company's information?

Yes. You can change your company's information at any time. Edit your profile by clicking "Manage the (your organization's name) profile" located in the gray box on the right side of your dashboard.

Am I required to hire an intern for the positions that I post?

No. If you do not find an intern that matches your interests or needs, you are not required to accept an intern via our site.

How will I know when a student has applied to my internship?

You will receive an email each time a student applies for your internship. You will be able to see a list of applicants in the "Applicants" box in your workspace.

How do I register?

On the home page, click "Login/Register" in the upper right-hand corner of your screen. You will be required to select an account type, and should select "Organization." In order to ensure your company is not already registered, the system will request you enter your organization's name. Slowly type your organization's name in the text box and a list will populate below. If you see your organization in the dropdown list, that means there is an existing account. Click on your organization's name. Some of the registration fields will disappear because Washington Workforce Portal already has your organization's information on the site. A registered user from your organization will be notified of your request and will review your information to confirm your account.

If the system does not find your organization registered, simply complete the registration form. Your registration will be sent for approval.

If you have not gained full access to the site in 48 hours, please contact us at [email protected]

How do I post an internship?

After you create an account for your organization, or join an existing account, go to your workspace. Then, click "+ Add Internship." Fill in all appropriate fields under "Internship," "Description" and "Skills." Be descriptive and include as many details as possible. This will make your internship attractive to potential applicants. Once you are finished, click "Save."

Can students receive credit for their internships?

Yes, some internships give credits, some pay, some are for experience only. This depends on what type of internship is given.

Do I need to pay interns?

Internships can be either paid or unpaid. However, most internships on Washington Workforce Portal are paid positions. If you're considering posting an unpaid internship, please review the U.S. Dept. of Labor laws.

What kinds of internships can I post?

Washington Workforce Portal allows any high-quality internship position. The nature of high-quality is determined by the duties outlined in the employer's internship description, and the employer's commitment to enhancing the student's learning experience. If you are unsure of the quality of your positions, Washington Workforce Portal will assist you in evaluating the tasks and duties. Download our Guide for tips for creating a meaningful internship program. You may post short-term, long-term, project-based, virtual, paid and unpaid internships. If you're considering posting an unpaid internship, please review the U.S. Dept. of Labor laws.

I lost my password. How may I retrieve it?

On the home page, click "Login/Register" in the upper right-hand corner of your screen. Underneath the "Log In" button, click "Forgot Password?" and enter your email or username. You will be sent an email with instructions to change your password.

How do I change my password?

Sign in to your account. Click "Edit Account" in the upper right-hand corner of your screen. After clicking the link, select "Change Password" underneath the "Update Account" button.

I registered. Why can't I post an internship?

Until a staff member approves your organization and grants you full access to the site, you will not be able to post internships. If you are joining an existing account, a registered user needs to grant you access before you can post internships.

If you have not received full access to the site in 48 hours, please contact us at [email protected]

Are there any resources offered to employers?

The Workforce Portal provides a variety of assessment forms, access to best practice information on internships, current market information on wages/benefits and hundreds of workplaces for potentially finding an intern.