These 10 small steps will help you kick off your career hunt painlessly and effectively using Handshake.
Having trouble getting started with Handshake? Don’t try to do it all in one day! Instead, kick off your future career with this simple challenge, spread out into small steps over 10 days. That means less than two weeks to full Handshake mastery!
Day 1: Activate your Handshake profile.
This is the easiest step — sign up for Handshake with your “.ac.uk” email address and completethe activation steps.
Day 2: Upload your CV.
Did you know you can upload your CV and your Handshake profile will pull loads of information automatically? Save yourself the effort of writing everything multiple times! Upload your CV before adding anything else to your profile and you’ll only have to fill in the gaps.
Day 3: Fill out your job preferences.
This means selecting locations you’d like to work in, preferred job roles, and your ideal job type: part-time, full-time, internship, or on-campus.
Day 4: Add experience to your profile.
Add any volunteering, internship, or work that you’ve already completed to your profile. This allows prospective employers to see your previous (or current) responsibilities.
Day 5: Follow 5 interesting employers.
Explore different organisations and companies on Handshake and follow them for updates. Often, recruiters check who is following them — it can help you get on their radar and ensure you get alerts for new opportunities!
Day 6: Fill out past courses and special skills.
Pull up your academic record and fill out specific courses, skills, and talents that could be relevant to your future career. This will help give prospective employers a better idea of the special attributes you have to offer their organisation.
Day 7: Add a headshot.
This isn’t a must for landing a job, but a photo can help put a face to your name — this is particularly useful if you’ve made a connection with a recruiter on campus at a career fair or event.
Day 8: Message 3 peers with professional experience you admire.
Use Handshake to build connections by messaging peers. Reach out to alumni from your university, people who have previously held internships you’re interested in, and more.
Day 9: Ask one question about a company, job role, or specific opportunity on the Q&A section.
There are so many knowledgeable folks on Handshake— hit them with some of your questions about specific career paths, organisations, or opportunities.
Day 10: Apply to five jobs that interest you.
This is self-explanatory. Now that you’re a Handshake super-user, make sure to apply for opportunities!
There you have it: you’re a Handshake pro. We can’t wait to help you find your next job, internship, or professional opportunity!
