Handshake @ Illinois

Handshake is the career management system used by all career services offices at the University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign and employers worldwide who recruit college students.

More than just a job board

Handshake is more than just a job board- it is the largest career community for students and recent graduates. Through the site, you will be able to explore career options, discover opportunities, receive job and internship recommendations generated by artificial intelligence, and get in touch with employers.    Employers post details regarding employer informational sessions, activities, events, etc. posted on Handshake, giving you access to information straight from the source!  By utilizing the resource, you are at an advantage by staying up to date on all the current employer-related events, interviews, career fairs, jobs, workshops, and more!  Learn more about setting up your Handshake account here.

Download the App

You can now download the Handshake app on your smart phone!  Handshake currently provides an app for both iOS and Android, available for free in the respective app stores.  You can use it to explore events, fairs, and jobs (favorite them and then apply), access On-Campus Interviews, Experiences, Surveys, and Resources, and add work experiences, organizations, and volunteering to their profiles!   You can also receive notifications for applications deadlines and messages from employers.

Want to be notified when your favorite companies are hiring or visiting campus?

When you follow an employer or a job, you'll receive alerts when the job application window is closing or when an employer is attending an event or fair at your school.   You also have the ability to customize and receive job alert notifications when new jobs matching your search criteria are added. This is another great way to continue your search learn more: saved search and set job alerts.

Make the Most of your Handshake Account

Check out these tips to make sure that you get noticed by employers!

Make your "profile public" and your resume "visible"

Help employers find you. If your profile is public, you'll show up in searches when they're recruiting for jobs and internships.

You will also need to make your resume visible to employers, so recruiters find your resume when they search for candidates with specific qualifications.  If you do not make your resume "visible," your resume can only be viewed by you!

Update your Graduation Date

Please make sure to complete your profile with your "Graduation Date" (i.e. May 2022) information, as well as your "School Year". If you don't enter this information, you will appear as not being fully qualified for some positions. You can enter this information in by clicking on your name, going to "Settings & Privacy" and then selecting your school year from the drop-down menu.

Complete your profile

Handshake will give you personalized job recommendations based on the information you provide on your profile—so you can find jobs and internships that are right for you.  Remember to update your career interests as they change and develop.

Recruiters are five times more likely to proactively reach out to you with job opportunities and event invitations if your profile is complete.

Make the Job Search Process Easier

Learn how to manage the job search features in Handshake.

Searching for Jobs and Internships

With thousands of employers posting collegiate hire jobs on the platform, Handshake can be an incredibly powerful tool for your internship and job searches. Taking time to understand Handshake's search functionality will help you identify the best jobs for you. This article will give you strategies and tips to help strengthen your search skills.

Apply for a Job in Handshake

If you would like to apply for a job in Handshake, follow the steps shared here.

Jobs Digests and Recommendations

Students now are able to receive job recommendations based on both their career interests as well as their job search activity in Handshake.

Make your Handshake Account Work for You!

Complete Your Profile to get noticed

Handshake User Agreement

Please review the Handshake user agreement when you claim your account.

Need more help?

Visit Handshake's Help Center to read articles, watch videos or ask questions.