Shake Hands with Your Future: Smart Ways Students Use Handshake to Launch Their Careers

Getting an internship or job while in college can set you up for career success after graduation. Handshake is an online platform specifically for college students and employers to connect regarding jobs and internships. With over 500,000 employers actively using Handshake, it's a great resource for students. Here's how to make the most of Handshake to land that perfect gig:

Create a Detailed Profile

The first step is crafting your Handshake profile. This is what employers will see when viewing candidates, so you want to make sure it's comprehensive and professional. Include all your relevant experience, skills, accomplishments, courses, organizations, and more. Don't just paste a generic resume objective statement - really cater this profile to spotlight the abilities you have that match what employers are seeking for these kinds of roles.

Have a friend or career counselor review your profile to ensure it accurately and positively reflects your unique value proposition as a candidate. Also, be sure to upload a nice professional headshot photo as your picture. First impressions matter, so set the stage for success with a stellar, thoughtful Handshake profile.

Utilize Keywords Thoughtfully

When applying for positions in Handshake, read the full job descriptions closely. Make a list of keywords that describe required or preferred skills/experience needed for that opportunity. Then, work some of those pivotal words organically into your profile bullet points and application materials. Since employer searches rely heavily on keywords to surface the best fits, this matching will get your profile noticed. But don't just cram unnecessary keywords haphazardly. Use them judiciously to emphasize all the authentic ways you are actually a phenomenal match.

Set Notifications for New Postings

Getting a jump start on applications when opportunities are fresh is key. The minute a great new internship or job is posted that's a fit, you want to know immediately so you can apply early. In your Handshake account settings, select "Opportunities" then "Notifications" to tailor alerts. Handshake allows you to be notified via email, text, mobile push notifications or however is convenient.

Create customized searches using filters like location, field, company types or other preferences important to you. Name and save those complex searches. Then whenever an opportunity goes live on Handshake meeting those specs, you'll automatically get notified. Act promptly to maximize your chances.

Ask Insightful Questions

Many Handshake job and internship listings invite students to ask questions about the role or company as part of the application process. This is a golden chance for you to demonstrate genuine interest, gain valuable insider insights to strengthen your candidacy, forge an initial personal connection, and make yourself stand out.

So draft 2-3 well-researched, thoughtful questions that show you did your homework on the employer’s mission, needs and goals. Show that you’re already envisioning yourself contributing there. The recruiter’s answers can shape and enhance the rest of your application or interview.

Follow Up Respectfully

After applying or interviewing for an opportunity, follow up periodically with the Handshake recruiter contact provided. Send along strategic updates like new transcripts with impressive grades, writing samples or work showcasing skills relevant to the role, any new credentials, references or recommendations from mentors, etc. Follow-ups show you’re still very interested.

However, don’t stalk, pester or annoy a busy employer with overly-aggressive persistence. Find the professional cadence and tone for a couple friendly check-ins at reasonable intervals. Graciousness goes far.

With an inviting profile, strategic keywords, proactive notifications, smart questions, and respectful persistence, Handshake can launch you into promising new internships and jobs during your college years and beyond. This platform offers access any student needs to nail down building-block experiences. So leverage it fully to position yourself for the dynamic career you’ve always envisioned.