Handshake

Handshake is a career networking platform designed to connect students and recent graduates with employers for internships, part-time jobs, and full-time opportunities. Used by over 1,400 colleges and universities, Handshake is built to streamline the job search process for students while providing employers with access to a diverse pool of early-career talent. The platform’s user-friendly interface, powerful search algorithms, and robust career services integrations make it an essential tool for students, universities, and employers alike.

Handshake enables students to create profiles showcasing their skills and experiences, search for jobs tailored to their interests, and directly connect with potential employers. For universities, Handshake offers tools to manage job postings, facilitate career fairs, and track student outcomes, creating a comprehensive career services ecosystem.

Key Features:

1. Personalized Job Search:
   Handshake uses AI-driven algorithms to match students with job postings that align with their skills, interests, and career goals. Students can search for internships, part-time jobs, and full-time opportunities, with recommendations tailored to their specific needs.

2. Student Profiles:
   Students can create detailed profiles highlighting their academic background, skills, work experience, and extracurricular activities. These profiles help employers find candidates who match their job openings, making it easier for students to stand out in a competitive job market.

3. Employer Network:
   Handshake partners with over 750,000 employers, including Fortune 500 companies, startups, and nonprofits. This extensive network provides students with access to a wide range of industries and job opportunities, ensuring that they can find positions that align with their career aspirations.

4. Virtual Career Fairs and Events:
   Universities can host virtual career fairs and events directly through Handshake, allowing students to connect with employers and career advisors in real-time. This feature has become increasingly important in the era of remote work and virtual learning.

5. Direct Messaging with Employers:
   Handshake allows students to directly message employers, creating a more personalized and proactive job search experience. Employers can also reach out to students, offering opportunities for networking, interviews, and career development.

6. Career Services Integration:
   Handshake integrates with university career services offices, allowing institutions to manage job postings, career fairs, and employer relationships in one platform. Career advisors can also track student engagement, outcomes, and job placement rates.

7. Job Application Tracking:
   Students can track the status of their job applications through Handshake, receiving notifications when their applications are reviewed, approved, or declined. This real-time tracking helps students stay organized during their job search.

How It Works:

1. Student Profile Creation:
   Students begin by creating a profile, detailing their academic achievements, skills, experiences, and career interests. Handshake’s algorithms use this information to suggest jobs that match the student’s qualifications and goals.

2. Job Search and Recommendations:
   Students can search for job openings using filters such as location, industry, job type, and company size. Handshake’s recommendation engine also suggests jobs based on the student’s profile and search history, ensuring that students find opportunities tailored to their career path.

3. Application Process:
   Once students find job opportunities they’re interested in, they can apply directly through Handshake. Many employers accept applications via the platform, making the process seamless and efficient. Students can upload their resumes, cover letters, and any additional required documents to complete their applications.

4. Employer Engagement:
   Employers can view student profiles and reach out to potential candidates through Handshake’s direct messaging feature. This creates opportunities for networking, informational interviews, and job offers. Employers can also post job openings, manage applications, and participate in virtual career fairs to engage with student talent.

5. Career Fair Participation:
   Universities and employers can host virtual career fairs, where students meet recruiters, attend information sessions, and learn about job openings. This feature makes it easy for students to network and explore career opportunities without the need for in-person events.

Benefits:

1. Streamlined Job Search for Students:
   Handshake simplifies the job search process by providing personalized job recommendations, a centralized application system, and direct messaging with employers. This helps students stay organized and focused on opportunities that match their interests and qualifications.

2. Access to a Diverse Employer Network:
   With access to over 750,000 employers, including major companies and emerging startups, students can explore a wide range of industries and career paths. Handshake’s extensive network increases the likelihood of finding relevant opportunities in any field.

3. Career Services Enhancement:
   Universities benefit from Handshake’s integration with their career services offices. Career advisors can manage job postings, organize career fairs, track student progress, and measure placement success rates, enhancing their ability to support students’ career development.

4. Increased Student-Employer Engagement:
   Handshake’s direct messaging feature encourages proactive communication between students and employers, facilitating networking and relationship building. This feature helps students stand out and engage with potential employers more effectively.

5. Comprehensive Application Tracking:
   Students can easily track the status of their job applications through Handshake, giving them greater visibility into their job search process. Real-time updates ensure that students know where they stand with potential employers.

6. Virtual Career Fairs and Remote Opportunities:
   As virtual career fairs and remote work become more common, Handshake’s platform provides the tools needed to connect students with employers in a digital environment. This flexibility allows students to engage with companies regardless of geographic location.

Integrations:

• University Career Services Systems:
  Handshake integrates with university career services platforms, enabling seamless management of job postings, career fairs, and employer relationships. This integration allows career advisors to monitor student engagement and job placement outcomes.

• Job Boards and External Recruiters:
  Handshake can integrate with other job boards and recruitment platforms, expanding the network of available job postings for students.

• Google Calendar and Microsoft Outlook:
  Students and career advisors can sync their Handshake accounts with Google Calendar or Microsoft Outlook, ensuring that they never miss an event, interview, or deadline.

Use Cases:

1. Higher Education Institutions:
   Handshake is designed for colleges and universities looking to offer comprehensive career services to their students. It helps career advisors manage job postings, host career fairs, and track student outcomes, all while giving students access to personalized job recommendations.

2. Employers:
   Companies of all sizes use Handshake to recruit early-career talent. Employers can post job openings, search for candidates, and participate in virtual career fairs, making it easy to connect with students and graduates from partner universities.

3. Career Services Departments:
   Career services offices can use Handshake to centralize their job postings, internships, and employer partnerships. The platform’s analytics tools provide career advisors with insights into student engagement and job placement success.

4. Students and Recent Graduates:
   Handshake is particularly beneficial for students and recent graduates looking to enter the job market. Its AI-driven job recommendations, direct messaging with employers, and application tracking features help students navigate the transition from education to employment.

Pricing:

Handshake offers flexible pricing models based on the size and needs of the institution. Universities typically purchase licenses that cover all students, allowing them to access the platform for free. Custom pricing is available for larger institutions, and employers can pay for premium job posting and recruitment services.

Conclusion:

Handshake is more than just a job board—it’s a comprehensive career services platform that connects students with employers in a meaningful and personalized way. Its AI-driven job recommendations, extensive employer network, and direct communication tools make it easier for students to find internships and jobs that align with their career goals. For universities, Handshake offers a seamless integration with career services offices, helping institutions enhance their support for student success. Employers, in turn, benefit from access to a diverse pool of early-career talent.

For institutions looking to improve student outcomes and facilitate career readiness, Handshake is an essential tool that bridges the gap between education and employment.

Schedule a Meeting to Avail the Services of Handshake

View Knowledge Base