Handshake

What is Handshake?

Handshake is a free resource for UW students and alumni to search and find internships, part-time and full-time jobs, volunteer opportunities and more. By logging into Handshake, you have access to thousands of opportunities that you can directly apply to using your uploaded resume, cover letter and unofficial transcripts. You’ll also find up-to-date information about employers interviewing on campus and more.

Curious on when employers post internships? Find the answer to this and other tips in the “Finding internships in Handshake” handout (PDF).

Getting started with Handshake

Visit Handshake at https://uw.joinhandshake.com
Log into Handshake using your NetID credentials. Having trouble with the log-in process? Email handshake@uw.edu with your name, UW email address and UW student ID number.
Complete your profile, including your expected graduation date and major (Be sure to select “UW Bothell – <your major>”).
Search for jobs and internships, research employers, or learn about employers coming to campus for an information session.
For the job and internship search, use the Filters to narrow your search by job type, industry, and location. Then create saved search alerts with the filters you choose.
Once you’re ready to apply to a job or internship, submit the necessary materials the application requires including your resume, cover letter, and other documentation.
Your saved searches may not catch everything you’re interested in, so login regularly to find new job, internship and volunteer opportunities fitting your qualifications and interests.

Tip: Watch this video below to get step-by-step instructions in completing your Handshake profile.

A guide on completing your Handshake profile

Additional tips

New employers register with Handshake and post positions every business day. Don’t let a great opportunity pass you by – check in with Handshake often.

Don’t just search by “Major” – try out a keyword search! This can be a much more efficient and thorough way of searching the available job and internship opportunities. For example, want to be in publishing? Enter keyword “publishing”, “editing” or “writing.” Going global? Try “international”, “global” or “abroad.” Interested in the world of sports? Type in “sports”, “athletics”, “team” or “entertainment.”

Hoping to work for a particular employer? Do some quick research via the “Employers” tab – any employer who has utilized Handshake will have a profile. Many are actively recruiting, and you’ll be able to identify openings within their company. You can click the star next to an employer’s name to follow it. When an employer posts a job, internship or campus information session, this will appear on your "For You" home screen in Handshake.

You can’t be on Handshake 24/7, but you want to make sure you don’t miss any opportunities. Set up a saved search to be notified when new positions are posted that meet your designated criteria. Run a search based on your desired filters. To save those parameters and have them run on a regular basis, select “Create Search Alert.” Edit the title of this search and the notification frequency by clicking on the pencil icon next to the saved search.

Ready to apply? Tips on successfully uploading your documents

Once you’re ready to apply for positions, be sure to upload the necessary documents (which could include resume, cover letter and/or transcripts, depending on the position). Some tips include:

Use only original Microsoft Word files (version 5.0 and higher work best). Do not cut and paste from other documents/files. Save these as PDF files in order to ensure their formatting.
Avoid headers and footers, and use a common and easy-to-read font (such as Arial, Calibri, Helvetica, Tahoma, or Verdana)
Keep your format simple – the system will process bullet, bold face, underscore and italic features, but use them sparingly.
Check your upload – once you’ve completed the process, open it up to be sure that it has converted properly and looks the way it should. If you cannot see it, neither can an employer. When in doubt, delete the old copy and attempt the upload process again.

Questions?

The Handshake Help Center includes answers to many frequently asked questions. Contact handshake@uw.edu if you need technical support. If you are not finding your answer there, or have other questions, Career Services is happy to help you with tips and suggestions for making the most of Handshake – make an appointment with Career Services.