Many companies receive hundred, if not thousands, of resumes and applications for a posted job opening. They often tell the employer what they can do - but employers often want to be shown what they can do. A new program in Colorado is designed to do just that.

The program, which is called HIRE Colorado, is funded by the state from federal stimulus money, and is administered by counties throughout the state. The program matches companies that are hiring with jobseekers who have qualifying skills.

Those jobseekers are placed in paid internships with the companies for a period of time, ranging from one month to several months. The county workforce offices pay the jobseeker for that period of time.

The program is designed to give the employer a chance to train the prospective employee, and see if they are someone they want to hire permanently.

"You have that opportunity to get your foot in the door, work with the company, learn new skills and it's a benefit, a win-win for both the employer and the job seeker," Jill Howard with the Jefferson County Workforce Center said.

The program was started in December, and so far, 10 individuals in Jefferson County have been placed in paid internship positions. The goal is to place 175 individuals within three months.

Allan Chado started his paid internship with Colorado Ambulatory Surgery Center Association in Englewood. Chado, who has experience in business management, medical technology and IT, has been looking for work.

"It's hard. There's a lot of good people that have a lot of good skills," Chado said. "It's a difficult time to be looking for work, no question about it."

The chance to work as a paid intern is giving him the opportunity to demonstrate to the company what he can do.

"It's a real advantage to the business. They get the chance to work with an employee in a county funded program that allows them to get a feel for whether or not that employee is a really good fit for their company," Chado said. "At the same time, the employee gets a great chance to come in and gain new skills and make sure it's a good fit for them as well.".

To find out more about the HIRE Colorado program, contact the workforce office that serves the county where you live.

(KUSA-TV © 2010 Multimedia Holdings Corporation)