Handshake 10-Day Challenge
Handshake is the ultimate career network and recruiting platform for college students and young alumni. This is the only place that connects you, HCC, and employees together. You'll see jobs and internships posted specifically for students, and employers actively recruiting from HCC.
Having trouble getting started using Handshake? Don't try to do it all in one day! Instead, kick off your career future with a simple challenge, spread out into small steps over 10 days. That means less than two weeks to full Handshake mastery!
Complete all 10 steps and then fill out this form by April 4, and you could win:
- Grand Prize (1 winner) Smartwatch/Tablet
- Gold Prize (2 winners) $50 bookstore gift certificate
- Silver Prize (4 winners) $25 dining services gift certificate
Get Ready!
Before the challenge begins, cross these two items off your list:
- Attend a Resume Writing Workshop. Click here to view upcoming virtual workshops!
- Take a Headshot. Have a friend take your photo following these guidelines: Wear simple, business professional clothing; take photo with natural light and a neutral background; avoid wearing chunky jewelry; take the photo from your waist up; smile – with or without teeth.
Day One: March 21
Activate your Handshake profile.
This is the easiest step: sign up for Handshake with your HCC email and complete the activation steps.
Day Two: March 22
Upload your resume.
Did you know that you can upload your resume and your Handshake profile will auto-pull tons of information? Save yourself the effort of writing information multiple times; upload your resume before adding anything else to your profile! Then you'll only have to fill in any blanks.
Day Three: March 23
Add experience to your profile.
Add any volunteering, internships, or work that you've already completed to your profile. This allows prospective employers to see your previous (or current) responsibilities.
Day Four: March 24
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 stuff you have to offer their organization!
Day Five: March 25
Fill out your job preferences.
That means selecting desired locations where you'd like to work, preferred job roles, and your ideal job type: part-time, full-time, internship, or on-campus.
Day Six: March 28
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 Seven: March 29
Follow two interesting employers.
Explore different organizations 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 first alerts for new opportunities!
Day Eight: March 30
Message three peers whose professional experience you admire.
Use Handshake to build connections by messaging peers. Reach out to alumni from your school, people who have previously held internships you're interested in, and more.
Day Nine: March 31
Ask one question about a company, job role, or specific opportunity.
There are so many knowledgeable folks on Handshake – hit them up with some of your questions about specific career paths, organizations, or opportunities!
Day Ten: April 1
Apply to one job that interests you.
This is self-explanatory. Now that you're a Handshake super-user, make sure to apply for jobs and internships!
There you have it: you're a Handshake pro. We can't wait to help you find your next job, internship, or professional opportunity!
