Student Services Spotlight: “Handshake” app gives students an advantage in jobs and careers
Effective Sept. 2, the HFC Career Services office has launched Handshake, a new software platform that connects students with employers.
HFC Career Services Officer Chad Austin said Career Services has been test driving the program all summer, and it is now ready for students to use. Handshake is easy to use and has many features.
“The ease of student use was a big factor,” said Austin. “Handshake was created to by two Northern Michigan University students who wanted to make it more user-friendly and modeled it after social media.”
How to use Handshake
Signing up is simple:
- Download the app to your phone
- Create a profile and get personalized job recommendations
- Meet with employers to learn more about their company culture and open positions
- Apply for a job in a few clicks
Uploading your résumé to your profile will auto-populate it, so you will not have to repeatedly type your work history and education.
“A lot of a student’s information is auto-populated,” said Austin. “We’ve heard how students enjoy using it and how well developed the app was. We’re really confident it’ll be well received. We’re excited about rolling it out.”
Customizing Handshake to your preferences
You can set up the system to:
- Match your needs and desires with employers in the locations of your choice
- Schedule appointments and job interviews
- Attend seminars and webinars catered to your needs and desires
“The more you use it, the better customized it’ll be for you,” said Austin. “The more you customize it, the better off you’ll be. Once you fill out your profile completely, it’ll post job opportunities and the cities you’re looking to work in.”
Austin said Handshake will roll out in phases. At this point, only current HFC students can use it. There are plans to allow HFC alumni access to the system in the future.
“Employers are happy with Handshake and have used it many times. It’s a national database for our students, and it allows them to look for jobs outside of Southeast Michigan. There could be opportunities in places like California and Arizona, where they can either move or work remotely from their home in Michigan. That’s a positive step that will require some labor on our part. We will work to fine-tune it and make it as efficient as we can. I’m excited about that challenge.”
For questions or to sign up, contact Austin at ctaustin@hfcc.edu or careers@hfcc.edu.