Handshake - Detailed Review
Job Search Tools
Handshake - Product Overview
Handshake Overview
Handshake is a job search and career management platform that connects students and young alumni from colleges and universities with potential employers, primarily for internships and entry-level jobs.Primary Function
Handshake’s main function is to streamline the job search process for students, employers, and university career services. It allows students to create profiles, including their resume, portfolio, and past experiences, which can be pre-populated with information like GPA through a code provided by their university’s career services. This setup is similar to other job boards like LinkedIn.Target Audience
The primary target audience for Handshake includes students and young alumni from over 700 universities, as well as employers looking to recruit early talent. The platform is particularly useful for students seeking internships and their first jobs after graduation.Key Features
Job Recommendations and Search
Handshake uses an algorithm to provide personalized job recommendations based on students’ profile data, career interests, and their engagement with employers and job postings on the platform. This ensures that students see job opportunities that are relevant to their interests and skills.Proactive Sourcing
For employers, Handshake offers advanced filtering tools to source qualified candidates. The platform allows employers to build a target talent audience using segments that include filters such as student location preference, school type, demographic attributes, skills, and coursework. This helps in targeting the right talent efficiently.Engagement and Communication
Students can explore, favorite, and apply to jobs, as well as communicate with employers directly through the platform. Employers can also send personalized messages to students, invite them to events, and offer virtual info chats. Students receive notifications via email and the mobile app.Mobile App and User Experience
Handshake has a highly rated mobile app that allows students to search and apply for jobs, register for events, and communicate with employers on the go. The app has a 4.8 rating on the App Store and a 4.5 rating on Google Play.Employer Management
For employers, Handshake provides tools to manage job postings, track engagement metrics, and conduct bulk actions such as approving events and compiling email lists. It also helps employers discover new potential candidates and maintain relationships with existing ones.Conclusion
Overall, Handshake is a comprehensive platform that simplifies the job search and recruitment process, making it easier for students to find relevant opportunities and for employers to find qualified candidates. Handshake - User Interface and Experience
The User Interface of Handshake
The user interface of Handshake, particularly in its job search tools, is crafted to be intuitive and user-friendly, making it easy for students and recent graduates to find and apply for jobs and internships.
Ease of Use
Handshake’s interface is straightforward and easy to navigate. Here are some key features that contribute to its ease of use:
- Job Search Page: The job search page is well-organized, allowing users to filter jobs based on various criteria such as job type (full-time, part-time, internship), location, and job role. Users can also use a search bar to look for jobs using keywords, job titles, or employer names.
- Filters and Sorting: Users can apply multiple filters, including on-site/remote work options, career center collections, and qualifications like major, school year, and GPA. Jobs can be sorted by relevance, application deadline, or date posted.
- Profile-Based Recommendations: Handshake uses advanced algorithms to provide personalized job and internship recommendations based on the user’s profile, which includes their education, interests, and career aspirations. This helps users find relevant opportunities quickly.
User Experience
The overall user experience on Handshake is enhanced by several features:
- Intuitive Interface: The platform is designed with students in mind, offering a simple and intuitive interface that simplifies the job search process. Users can easily create profiles, upload resumes, and apply for jobs directly through the platform.
- Career Center Collections: Jobs are curated into categories by the career services department of the user’s school, making it easier to find jobs that are relevant and approved by the school.
- Employer Reviews and Ratings: Handshake includes reviews and ratings of employers submitted by students and alumni, providing valuable insights into company culture and work environments. This helps users make informed decisions about where to apply.
- Virtual Career Fairs and Events: The platform hosts virtual career fairs, networking events, and employer info sessions, which are beneficial for expanding professional networks and learning about various industries.
- Saved Searches and Job Alerts: Users can create saved searches and set job alerts to continue their job search efficiently. This feature helps in keeping track of new job postings that match their criteria.
Additional Resources
Handshake also offers a range of resources beyond job listings:
- Resume-Building Tools and Interview Preparation Guides: These resources help students enhance their career readiness and competitiveness in the job market.
- Community Tab: This feature allows users to connect with students and alumni from various colleges, facilitating networking and professional development.
Overall, Handshake’s user interface is designed to be user-friendly, making the job search process less tedious and more efficient for students and recent graduates.
Handshake - Key Features and Functionality
Handshake Overview
Handshake is a comprehensive career networking platform that leverages AI-driven algorithms to connect students and recent graduates with job opportunities. Here are the main features and how they work, along with the benefits and AI integration:
Personalized Job Search
Handshake uses AI-driven algorithms to match students with job postings that align with their skills, interests, and career goals. Students create detailed profiles highlighting their academic background, skills, work experience, and extracurricular activities. These profiles are then used by Handshake’s algorithms to suggest jobs that are relevant to the student’s qualifications and goals.
Employer Messaging
Many job and internship postings on Handshake feature Employer Messaging, allowing students to directly message company representatives. This feature enables students to have a more personalized and proactive job search experience. Students can initiate conversations with employers before applying, and employers can also reach out to students for networking, interviews, and career development opportunities.
Company Profiles and Reviews
Handshake provides detailed company profiles that include reviews from students, insights on the company’s interview process, company overviews, and information on public staff members for networking. Students can follow their favorite companies to stay updated on upcoming opportunities and events.
Virtual Employer Sessions
Handshake facilitates virtual employer sessions, allowing students to connect with employers from across the country. These sessions enable students to learn about job positions and career paths remotely, which is particularly useful in the era of remote work and virtual learning.
Advanced Filtering Options
Handshake offers extensive filtering options to help students narrow down their job search. Students can filter jobs by criteria such as location, industry, job type, company size, and whether the employer is open to messaging. This helps students find jobs that match their preferences and needs efficiently.
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.
Virtual Career Fairs and Events
Handshake allows universities to host virtual career fairs and events, where students can 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.
Career Services Integration
Handshake integrates with university career services offices, enabling institutions to manage job postings, organize career fairs, and track student outcomes. Career advisors can also use Handshake to support students’ career development and measure placement success rates.
AI-Driven Search and Recommendations
Handshake’s search functionality is powered by Elasticsearch and AI-driven algorithms. These technologies enable the platform to provide relevant search results and job recommendations based on the student’s profile and search history. The AI ensures that the jobs suggested are highly relevant, increasing the likelihood of students finding suitable opportunities.
Student Profile Creation
Students create profiles that highlight 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. This profile creation is crucial for the AI to make accurate job recommendations.
Calendar Integration
Handshake allows students and career advisors to sync their accounts with Google Calendar or Microsoft Outlook, ensuring they never miss an event, interview, or deadline. This integration helps keep everyone organized and on track.
Conclusion
In summary, Handshake leverages AI to personalize the job search experience, provide relevant job recommendations, and facilitate direct communication between students and employers. Its extensive features and integrations make it a valuable tool for students, universities, and employers alike.
Handshake - Performance and Accuracy
Evaluating the Performance and Accuracy of Handshake
Evaluating the performance and accuracy of Handshake in the job search tools AI-driven product category involves several key aspects:
AI-Driven Job Recommendations
Handshake utilizes AI to personalize job recommendations, which is a significant strength of the platform. It considers three primary buckets of information: the student’s profile data, career interests, and the employers and jobs the student engages with. This approach allows for progressively better recommendations, as it provides a nuanced portrait of the student’s preferences and interests.
Engagement Metrics
The platform has seen notable improvements in engagement metrics. For instance, after deploying advanced AI models, such as graph neural networks and two-tower recommenders on Anyscale, Handshake observed a 90% increase in engagement on jobs year-over-year. This indicates that the AI-driven recommendations are effective in matching students with relevant job opportunities.
Employer Validation
Handshake has implemented employer validation tools to ensure the legitimacy of employers on the platform. These tools, powered by machine learning and partnerships with Sift and Google’s webrisk API, monitor employers for fraudulent activity from the moment they create an account. This process helps maintain a trusted network and reduces the time career centers spend vetting employers.
Efficiency and Cost Savings
The integration of AI has also led to significant efficiency gains and cost savings. Handshake trains models four times faster at half the cost using Anyscale, which enables faster iteration for AI workloads and scalability for Large Language Model (LLM) GPUs. This efficiency is crucial for handling the large scale of job opportunities and candidate profiles on the platform.
Limitations and Areas for Improvement
Despite the advancements, there are some limitations and areas for improvement:
Response Rate from Employers
Some users have reported a low response rate from employers, suggesting that not all employers actively review applications submitted through the platform. This can be a challenge for students relying solely on Handshake for job applications.
Standing Out
With over 14 million students and alumni using the platform, it can be difficult for users to stand out when applying strictly through Handshake. Users often find more success by combining Handshake with other job search strategies, such as tailoring resumes, emailing recruiters, and applying directly to companies.
Continuous Improvement
While the AI-driven recommendations are effective, they rely on students providing accurate and up-to-date information about their interests and preferences. There is room for improvement in encouraging students to regularly update their profiles and engage with the platform to get the most out of the recommendations.
In summary, Handshake’s performance and accuracy in the job search tools AI-driven product category are strong, particularly in terms of personalized job recommendations and employer validation. However, there are areas for improvement, such as enhancing the response rate from employers and helping students stand out in a crowded job market.
Handshake - Pricing and Plans
Handshake Pricing Overview
Handshake, a job search and recruitment platform, offers several plans to cater to different hiring needs and budgets. Here’s a breakdown of their pricing structure and the features available in each plan:
Basic Plan
- Cost: Free
- Features:
- Create a basic company presence
- Manually source, engage, and hire early talent
- Message 25 candidates per month
- Up to 100 talent matches
Plus Plan
- Cost: Flexible payment plans per job (employers need to sign up for details)
- Features:
- Job promotion to highly qualified candidates
- Message 200 candidates per month
- Unlimited talent matches for up to 10 jobs
- School recommendations for up to 10 jobs
- Automated talent matches and outreach for up to ten roles
Talent Engagement Suite (TES)
- Cost: Annual billing based on program size (employers need to book a demo for pricing details)
- Features:
- Unlimited large-scale promotional campaigns
- Unlimited messaging, talent matches, and school recommendations for up to 25 team members
- 50 filters to precisely source and get matched to qualified talent
- A dedicated Handshake Customer Success Manager
- Analysis that maps activities to hires
- ATS integrations
- Customizable filters, automated talent matches, and scaled outreach for all open roles
Additional Notes
- Handshake also offers a Core plan and a Premium plan, though these are less detailed in the provided sources. The Core plan includes free job posting but has limited features, while the Premium plan offers full hiring features, but employers must contact the company for specific pricing details.
This structure allows employers to choose a plan that aligns with their hiring goals, team size, and budget, ensuring they can effectively source, engage, and hire qualified candidates.
Handshake - Integration and Compatibility
Integration with Greenhouse Recruiting
One of the key integrations is with Greenhouse Recruiting, a popular applicant tracking system (ATS). This integration allows employers to streamline their job posting and applicant management processes. Here’s how it works:
Job Posting
Employers can sync jobs from Greenhouse Recruiting to Handshake, ensuring that job details, number of positions, employment type, and required documents are accurately transferred.
Application Status Syncing
The integration enables real-time application status syncing, so applicant statuses in Handshake are updated as they are hired or rejected in Greenhouse Recruiting. This ensures that both systems are aligned and up-to-date.
Efficient Applicant Management
Applicants can apply directly through Handshake, and employers can manage the entire hiring process within Greenhouse Recruiting, including reviewing applicant information and tracking interview progress.
Compatibility Across Platforms and Devices
Handshake is designed to be accessible and functional across various platforms and devices:
Web Browsers
For the best experience, Handshake recommends using Google Chrome, as it supports all features, including integrated video. However, most modern browsers (released within the last six months) are also supported, although there may be some limitations.
Mobile Devices
Handshake offers mobile apps for both iOS and Android, providing students and alumni with an optimized experience when using mobile devices. If a mobile browser is used, the Handshake mobile app is still the recommended choice for the best experience.
Desktop/Laptop
On desktops and laptops, users can access Handshake through recommended browsers like Chrome, ensuring all features function properly.
Employer Relationship Management (ERM)
Handshake also integrates well with its own Employer Relationship Management (ERM) tool, which helps career centers and employers manage their relationships more effectively. This tool allows for comprehensive activity tracking, note sharing, and reminders, as well as insights into employer engagement and student hiring trends.
In summary, Handshake integrates efficiently with tools like Greenhouse Recruiting to streamline recruitment processes and is compatible across a range of browsers and devices, ensuring a smooth user experience for both employers and job seekers.
Handshake - Customer Support and Resources
Handshake Customer Support Options
Personalized Job Recommendations
Handshake uses an AI-driven algorithm to provide you with personalized job recommendations based on your profile data, career interests, and the jobs and employers you engage with. This includes your major, job type preferences (full-time, part-time, internship), job roles, and location preferences. The more you interact with jobs and employers on the platform, the more accurate and relevant these recommendations become.
Search and Filter Tools
Handshake provides a range of search and filter tools to help you find the jobs that best match your criteria. You can use keywords to search job titles, descriptions, and employer names. Additionally, you can filter jobs by job type, location, work authorization, industry, and employer preferences such as your major, school year, and graduation date. These tools allow you to narrow down your search efficiently and find relevant opportunities quickly.
Career Center Collections
Your school’s career services department curates job collections specifically for your school, which can be accessed through the “Career Center Collections” feature. This helps you find jobs that are particularly relevant to your school and its career resources.
Job Saving and Notifications
You can save jobs that interest you, which allows you to quickly find them later and receive important notifications, such as reminders to apply before the deadline. Saving jobs also helps Handshake provide you with more relevant job recommendations based on your interests.
Messaging Employers
Handshake enables you to identify and message employers who are open to communication. This feature can be particularly useful for initiating direct contact with potential employers and learning more about job opportunities.
Event and Interview Information
The platform allows you to sign up for employer events and find out when employers are interviewing on campus. This helps you stay informed about upcoming opportunities and prepare accordingly.
Profile Completion and Engagement
Completing your Handshake profile and engaging with the platform increases your visibility to recruiters. For instance, 80% of students who fill out their profile receive messages from recruiters, including job opportunities and event invitations.
Help Center and FAQs
Handshake has a comprehensive Help Center and FAQs section that provides detailed guides and tips on how to use the platform effectively. This includes articles on searching for jobs, using filters, and optimizing your profile for better job recommendations.
By leveraging these features and resources, you can make the most out of Handshake’s job search tools and increase your chances of finding the right job or internship.
Handshake - Pros and Cons
Advantages of Handshake
Handshake offers several significant advantages for both students and employers in the job search and recruitment process.
Wide Reach and Accessibility
Handshake has a broad network, connecting students from over 1,400 campuses across the U.S., allowing students to explore job opportunities nationwide, including remote and in-person roles.
User-Friendly Interface
The platform boasts an intuitive website and mobile app, making it easy for students to search and apply for jobs. The mobile app optimization ensures that students can access job listings and events conveniently.
Unique Search Filters
Handshake provides special search filters that are particularly helpful for international students, addressing their specific needs and eligibility for work in the U.S., such as Optional Practical Training (OPT) and Curricular Practical Training (CPT).
Personalized Job Recommendations
Handshake uses an algorithm that personalizes job recommendations based on students’ profile data, career interests, and engagement with employers and jobs on the platform. This helps students see job opportunities that are more relevant to their interests and skills.
Proactive Outreach Tools
Employers can use Handshake to engage with students through email campaigns and virtual events, with a high success rate of student engagement when messages are personalized.
Cost-Effective
Hiring students and recent graduates through Handshake can be more cost-effective compared to hiring more experienced professionals.
Disadvantages of Handshake
While Handshake offers many benefits, there are also some notable drawbacks.
Limited Applicant Pool
Since Handshake is exclusive to college students with a .edu email address, the applicant pool for each job listing may be smaller compared to other job posting sites. This can be both a pro and a con, as it may reduce competition but also limit the diversity of applicants.
Employer Responsiveness
Some users have reported that employers are not always responsive through the platform, which can be frustrating for students awaiting feedback or follow-up.
Approval Process
Employers need to be approved by each university they wish to recruit from, which can shrink the accessible talent pool and make it challenging for new companies to get approved based on their trust score.
Big Business Focus
Handshake seems more geared towards larger corporations rather than start-ups or small businesses, making it harder for smaller companies to compete and get approved.
Inconveniences for Double Majors
Students with double majors may face some inconvenience as they need to manually change their “home school” in Handshake to register for events specific to each major.
Overall, Handshake is a valuable tool for connecting students with job opportunities, but it has its limitations, particularly in terms of accessibility for employers and the user experience for certain student groups.
Handshake - Comparison with Competitors
When Comparing Handshake with Competitors
When comparing Handshake with its competitors in the job search and career development space, several unique features and alternatives stand out.
Unique Features of Handshake
- Employer Messaging: Handshake allows direct communication with company representatives through the “Send a Message” feature on job and internship postings. This can be a significant advantage for job seekers looking to establish a connection before applying.
- Company Profiles and Reviews: Handshake provides detailed company profiles, including student reviews, insights on the interview process, and information on public staff members for networking. This helps job seekers make informed decisions about potential employers.
- Virtual Employer Sessions: Handshake facilitates virtual sessions with employers, enabling students to connect with companies remotely and learn about career opportunities.
- Advanced Filtering Options: Handshake offers extensive filtering capabilities, including filters for paid opportunities, remote or on-site positions, job roles, industry, and more. This helps job seekers narrow down their search efficiently.
Competitors and Alternatives
CollegeLink
CollegeLink is a career networking platform that offers job listings, resume building tools, career advice, and eLearning courses. While it shares some similarities with Handshake, it does not have the same level of direct employer messaging or virtual sessions.
EarnBetter
EarnBetter uses artificial intelligence to assist in job searches within the employment services industry. It focuses more on AI-driven job matching and career advice rather than the direct employer interaction and virtual sessions available on Handshake.
Jopwell
Jopwell is a career advancement platform that provides resources, advice, and job matching services. It is particularly focused on advancing the careers of students and professionals from underrepresented groups. While it offers valuable resources, it lacks the comprehensive job search and employer interaction features of Handshake.
RippleMatch
RippleMatch is a recruitment automation platform that connects Gen Z job seekers with potential employers. It streamlines the job search process but does not offer the same level of detailed company profiles or virtual employer sessions as Handshake.
Qureos
Qureos focuses on career acceleration and job matching, offering services like one-on-one mentoring and job matching. However, it does not have the extensive job search filtering options or the direct messaging feature that Handshake provides.
Symplicity
Symplicity is a global leader in student engagement and employability software, offering job listings and career resources. While it is comprehensive, it does not match Handshake’s level of integration with employer messaging and virtual sessions.
AI-Driven Job Search Tools
For those looking for AI-driven tools to complement their job search, there are several alternatives:
Jobscan
Jobscan helps job seekers tailor their resumes and LinkedIn profiles to specific job postings, ensuring compliance with Applicant Tracking Systems (ATS).
Huntr
Huntr is an AI tool for job tracking and organization, allowing users to track applications, categorize job listings, and set reminders for follow-ups.
Sonora
Sonora uses advanced algorithms to match job seekers with suitable job offers and can submit applications on their behalf. It adapts to the user’s changing preferences and interests.
Talentprise
Talentprise is an AI job-matching platform that considers both hard and soft skills to match job seekers with suitable positions. It assists both job seekers and employers in finding the right fit.
Each of these tools and platforms has its unique strengths and can be used in conjunction with or as alternatives to Handshake, depending on the specific needs and preferences of the job seeker.
Handshake - Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions about Handshake
Why should I create a Handshake account if I already use other job sites?
Creating a Handshake account is beneficial because it connects you directly with employers recruiting specifically at your school. Handshake has the most opportunities for students and new college grads of any job platform, and it provides personalized job recommendations based on your profile information.Why do I need to fill out my Handshake profile?
Filling out your Handshake profile is crucial because it allows Handshake to give you personalized job recommendations based on your career goals, job interests, and other information. A complete profile also increases your chances of being messaged directly by recruiters, with 80% of students who fill out their profile receiving messages from recruiters.Which parts of my Handshake profile are most important to include?
The most important parts of your Handshake profile include your major, job type (part-time, full-time, internship), job location, and specific job roles that interest you. Making your profile visible to employers and other students can also help you connect with potential opportunities and advice.How do I search for jobs on Handshake?
To search for jobs on Handshake, you can use the search bar to enter keywords, job titles, job IDs, or employer names. You can also filter jobs by location, job type (full-time, part-time, internship), and work arrangement (on-site, remote, hybrid). Additionally, you can use Career Center Collections to find jobs curated by your school’s career services department.Can I use Handshake on my phone?
Yes, you can use Handshake on your phone by downloading the Handshake App from the App Store or Google Play. The app allows you to search and apply to jobs, receive notifications from employers, and apply to jobs quickly with the Quick Apply feature.How do I filter and save my job searches on Handshake?
You can filter jobs by criteria such as job type, location, work authorization, and industry. You can also use keyword search to find jobs that include specific words. To save your searches, click the “Save your Job Search” link at the top of your results, which allows you to set up job alerts for similar positions.What is the best way to use keyword search and filters on Handshake?
The best way to use keyword search and filters is to start with a broad search using only a few terms and filters, then add more if there are too many positions to review. You can filter through jobs by various criteria and save your searches to quickly access them later.Can I connect with other students and alumni on Handshake?
Yes, Handshake’s Community tab allows you to connect with students and alumni from your school and other colleges. You can view their profiles, filter by major, school year, and student organizations, and network with them for advice or opportunities.How do I schedule appointments with my career center through Handshake?
You can schedule appointments with your career center by clicking on the Career Center tab and then selecting “Schedule Appointment” on the lower right. This allows you to choose the type of appointment and pick a date, as well as select a specific advisor in your field to meet with.Why should I make my Handshake profile visible to employers?
Making your Handshake profile visible to employers increases your visibility and allows recruiters to find and message you directly with job opportunities and event invitations. However, your profile will only be visible to employers approved by your school and those with a Handshake account. Handshake - Conclusion and Recommendation
Final Assessment of Handshake in the Job Search Tools AI-Driven Product Category
Handshake is a comprehensive and user-friendly platform that significantly enhances the job search experience for students and recent graduates. Here’s a detailed look at its features and who can benefit most from using it.
Key Features
- Employer Messaging: This feature allows students to directly message company representatives, providing a direct line of communication that can be crucial in standing out during the application process.
- Targeted Employer Lists: Handshake offers curated lists of employers that frequently hire from specific institutions or are ideal for internships, helping students focus their job search more effectively.
- Company Profiles and Reviews: Students can access detailed company profiles, including reviews from other students, insights into the interview process, and information about upcoming opportunities.
- Virtual Employer Sessions: Handshake facilitates virtual sessions with employers, enabling students to connect with companies across the country without the need for physical attendance.
- Advanced Filtering Options: The platform offers extensive filtering options, such as job roles, industry, location, and more, to help students narrow down their job search efficiently.
- Personalized Job Recommendations: Handshake uses AI to provide job recommendations based on students’ profiles, career interests, and engagement with the platform. This ensures that students see job opportunities that are highly relevant to their interests and skills.
Who Would Benefit Most
Handshake is particularly beneficial for:
- College Students: Especially those in technical fields like computer science, who are looking for career opportunities in areas such as artificial intelligence (AI). The platform connects students with a wide range of job and internship opportunities, including those in AI and other emerging technologies.
- Recent Graduates: Those transitioning into the workforce can leverage Handshake’s features to connect with potential employers, attend virtual sessions, and apply for jobs that match their skills and interests.
- International Students: Handshake includes filters for jobs open to candidates with CPT (Curricular Practical Training) and OPT (Optional Practical Training), making it a valuable resource for international students.
Overall Recommendation
Handshake is an indispensable tool for anyone seeking to streamline their job search process. Here are some key reasons why it stands out:
- Ease of Use: The platform is user-friendly, with features like employer messaging, virtual sessions, and advanced filtering options that make it easy for students to find and apply for jobs.
- Personalization: Handshake’s AI-driven job recommendations ensure that students see opportunities that are highly relevant to their career goals and interests.
- Comprehensive Resources: From company profiles and reviews to virtual employer sessions, Handshake provides a wealth of information and opportunities for networking and career development.
In summary, Handshake is an excellent choice for students and recent graduates looking to enhance their job search experience. Its features are designed to make the job search process more efficient, engaging, and successful. If you are a student or recent graduate, creating a profile on Handshake and utilizing its various features can significantly improve your chances of finding the right job or internship.