If you’re a college student or recent graduate, the job search can feel overwhelming. Everyone tells you to “get on LinkedIn” — and you should. But LinkedIn isn’t the only game in town. Handshake has become the go-to recruiting platform for early career talent, and if you’re not using it, you might be missing out on opportunities designed just for you.
What Is Handshake?
Handshake is a career platform built exclusively for students and new grads. Launched in 2014, it partners directly with thousands of universities and employers to make the recruiting process easier for both sides. Here’s what makes it different:
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University integration: Handshake is tied directly to your school’s career services office. This means job postings are vetted and tailored for your campus.
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Early career focus: Most jobs are internships, co-ops, or entry-level programs designed to attract fresh talent.
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Built-in events: From virtual career fairs to company info sessions, you can meet recruiters in a low-barrier way.
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Employer outreach: Companies can reach out directly to you if your profile matches their needs.
How Handshake Differs from LinkedIn
While both platforms can connect you to jobs and employers, the design and purpose are very different:
| Feature | Handshake | |
|---|---|---|
| Target Audience | Students & Recent Grads | All professionals (entry → executive) |
| Jobs Posted | Internships, early-career, campus recruiting | Broad mix, including mid-senior and executive |
| Vetting | Employers approved by universities | Open to anyone who pays to post |
| Experience | Curated, student-friendly, less “noise” | Networking-driven, content-heavy, competitive |
| Events | Career fairs, info sessions | Networking posts, professional groups, webinars |
Bottom line: Handshake helps you land your first role. LinkedIn helps you grow your career.
Why Students Should Use Both
Relying on just one platform limits your reach. Here’s how they complement each other:
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Handshake: Get discovered by recruiters who are actively targeting your school or major.
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LinkedIn: Build your professional identity, showcase projects, and grow a network beyond campus.
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Together: Apply on Handshake, then connect with that recruiter on LinkedIn to keep the conversation going.
This dual approach builds momentum: Handshake gets you in the door, LinkedIn helps you stay in the room.
Five Ways to Maximize Handshake
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Fill out your profile completely. Employers search by major, GPA, and skills — an incomplete profile means fewer matches.
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Use the filters. Narrow jobs by location, role type, or employer to save time.
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Follow employers you like. You’ll be first to know when they post a role.
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Engage with events. Treat career fairs and info sessions like mini-interviews. Have questions ready.
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Check regularly. Many campus recruiting programs move fast — waiting even a week can mean missing deadlines.
Extra Edge: Pairing Handshake with LinkedIn
Let’s say you attend a virtual career fair on Handshake and meet a recruiter from a Fortune 500 company. The next step? Send them a personalized LinkedIn connection request.
This shows initiative and gives you a chance to build a relationship beyond the campus recruiting process. Later, when you’re ready for mid-career roles, that connection is already in place. And be sure you maximize LinkedIn as a platform. Here are a few suggestions to add to your future to-do lists.
Final Word
Think of Handshake as your launchpad and LinkedIn as your runway. One is built for starting strong, the other for building long-term career momentum. Students who use both don’t just find jobs faster — they set themselves up for a stronger, more connected career path. And, of course, you need a killer resume. We can help with that.
