Handshake Quick Start Guide
Handshake is such a great place to search for jobs and internships but did you know that you can also use it to connect with recruiters, conduct employer research, and attend live virtual events? Check out this quick start guide to log in, set up your profile, and get started!
What is Handshake?
Handshake was created for current college students and new graduates looking for internship and job opportunities. It doesn’t stop there though! You can connect with recruiters, as well as other students or UMass alumni, as well as find events hosted by UMass Amherst, Isenberg School of Management, and employers. Handshake is a one-stop-shop for all things career!
Why should I use Handshake?
Handshake is easy to access whether you’re on a laptop or on a mobile device! You can download the Handshake app by going into your mobile devices app store and typing in “Handshake”. It’s also easy to navigate – with clear section titles you’ll know exactly where you are within the website and where to look to find what you need.
Still have questions?
Schedule an appointment with a Career Coach – we’ll help you navigate Handshake and discover the most effective way to utilize it based on your specific career goals!
Handshake also has a great Help Center you can access if you get stuck!
Getting Started with Handshake
Once logged in, you will see your homepage and be able to access what we’ve outlined below. Let’s get started!
| Profile | Add in your skills and experience, as well as projects and specific courses you want to highlight. Plus, you can add links to your profile if you want to highlight your virtual portfolio or provide further connectivity on LinkedIn! |
| Career Interests | Fill out each section and Handshake will curate your homepage just for you! As soon as you log in, you’ll be presented with jobs, internships, and events that are aligned with your career goals. |
| Notification Preferences | Let Handshake know what events you’d like to be notified about, how you’d like to be notified, and at what frequency. |
| Privacy Settings | There are 3 settings: 1. “Community” – Your profile may be viewed by employers, students, and alumni. If you engage with virtual events on Handshake, your profile NEEDS to be set to “Community”. After the event is over, you can switch to back to your preference! 2. “Employers” – Your profile can only be viewed by recruiters and they can message you via Handshake. You cannot follow, post, or comment. 3. “Private” – Your profile is only visible to you. You cannot follow, post, comment, or receive messages from recruiters. |
| Jobs | Search for jobs and internships using applicable filters. You can also save jobs to go back to when you have the time to apply! If you’re an international candidate, there are filters for work authorization to ensure you’re applying for roles with CPT, OPT, and/or sponsorship opportunities. |
| Events | Find opportunities for networking, professional development, and general informational sessions hosted by UMass, Isenberg School of Management, and employers. |
| People | Find peers you may know and UMass alumni you may want to connect with. |
| Employers | Research employers within your prospective industry and review their employer profiles for more information. You can also “Follow” employers to receive notifications when new events and job or internships opportunities are listed. |
| Career Center | Access the UMass Amherst Collections to find companies, jobs, and internships looking to hire UMass students and graduates. Each school has a curated collection, as well as collections highlighting opportunities close to campus, for international candidates, Fortune 500 companies, and more! Access the Great for Isenberg School of Management collection for companies, jobs, and internships looking to hire Isenberg students and graduates. |
