Handshake™️ is the New Handshake – and a Lot More
A handshake–or should I say these days, elbow bump–is the perfect way to introduce yourself to new people. It is a key part of networking, connecting with a person before furthering your relationship. A handshake is a point of contact, a thoughtful way to say “I respect you.” We handshake goodbye, we handshake hello, and we handshake at every success in between.
The site Handshake is aptly named, then, as it is also a fantastic way to connect with people, especially employers. It truly is that first greeting and step into online networking. Applying for a job in a post-COVID world is different, new, and tricky. Handshake takes away a lot of the stress and pressure to go out and meet new people while looking for a job. Networking is still a crucial part of the process, but the way we network as a society has changed along with technology. Gone are the days of large corporate events filled with eager employers, the days of turning in a resume on paper and hoping to get a call saying “You got it!”
As a college student, I knew that I needed a job that was flexible, understanding of my hours and availability, and dealt with something that I could use in my future career. The problem was I had no idea where to find one. I qualified for work study, but didn’t know about the processes to obtain one. This quickly stressed me out, but then I received an email from campus with a link to a website called Handshake.
I made a profile easily, filling in basic information about myself, what work I’ve done, and what kind of work I am looking for. There was also a place to conveniently attach my resume and any other related documents, like statements of interest or certifications. What particularly impressed me was Handshake’s filter options, meaning I could look for jobs that were full time, part time, off campus, on campus, and even internship opportunities. This changed the game! With Arcadia’s use of Handshake, I was able to find and apply for four positions within five minutes. The chat feature also allowed me to speak with potential employers with ease, making sure that I was the right fit for them.
Using Handshake as a medium to find an on campus position made my life so much easier. I was no longer worried about fulfilling my work study, finding a job that would accommodate my needs, or even the responsibilities I would need to satisfy (each job listing has an extensive description!). Once I had applied to each position, the process was even simpler afterward. Employers reached out to me for interviews, which we scheduled through the app’s chat feature, and within two weeks, I had offers from each job I had applied for. Now, I am doing work that makes a change in the university and also is helping prepare me for life after college.
Handshake is truly a great resource for students looking for all different kinds of work. My suggestion is to make a profile ASAP, as you can edit and add on different things as you go. There is no intense pressure to make things perfect the first try. Once you have an account, you can see all the various positions that are available at Arcadia, along with a list of what you are expected to have, a description of the position, and the hourly rate/stipend amount. It is so easy to navigate, too!
I would not have found any of my on campus jobs without the Handshake app. Arcadia truly has made finding employment as a student as easy as possible, and I cannot wait to see what work I can do with these positions.
Let’s see just how many hands I can shake.
