Handshake: Your Pathway to Jobs & Internships

Why Use Handshake?

Handshake is your go-to platform for finding internships, jobs, and employer connections. It gives you access to thousands of opportunities tailored to your major and connects you with employers actively seeking college talent. You can attend virtual and in-person career fairs, employer events, and info sessions to build your network. Plus, you can schedule career advising with Mercy University’s career center for expert guidance on your job search. While you’re able to apply to opportunities through other job portals like LinkedIn, Indeed, Handshake is uniquely focused on college students and recent grads, and many opportunities are specifically for Mercy students.

How to Get Started

Step 1: Click here to go to the Handshake homepage
Step 2: Click login & select Mercy University in the schools dropdown
Step 3: Sign into Handshake via Single Sign On
Step 4: Complete Your Profile (employers look at this!).
Step 5: Watch this tutorial video (1.5 speed if it’s helpful!)
Step 6: Get your resume approved by a career coach
Step 7: Explore Jobs & Internships that match your interests.
Step 8: Apply, attend career events, and connect with recruiters!
✅ Pro Tip: A 100% complete profile increases your chances of getting noticed by employers!

Avoiding Common Mistakes

❌ Leaving your profile incomplete → ✔ Fill out all sections to increase visibility.
❌ Not checking Handshake regularly → ✔ Log in weekly to see new job postings.
❌ Applying without researching the company → ✔ Follow companies and connect with recruiters.
❌ Ignoring career events → ✔ Attend fairs & workshops to expand your network.

❌ Attaching the incorrect documents to job and internship applications → ✔ Make sure that when you are applying to opportunities, you’re carefully reading the job description in its entirety and attaching the document(s) the Employer is asking for.

❌ Not turning on notifications → ✔ Make sure you’re not missing messages from employers or our career team. Under the settings tab, you can set your preferences for notifications.

FAQs (Quick Help Section)

📌 Who can use Handshake? – All Mercy University students and graduates
📌 Is Handshake free? – Yes, for students and alumni!
📌 How do I get help? – Contact cpd@mercy.edu or click here to submit a ticket directly with Handshake

📌 What should I do if I don’t have experience yet? Even without formal work experience, you can highlight class projects, leadership roles, volunteer work, and extracurricular activities. Connect with our career team for support.
📌 Why am I getting emails about my application being withdrawn? How can I ensure the application has been fully submitted? Friendly reminder that even if you apply to a job or internship, your application won’t fully submit to an employer without your resume being fully approved by a career coach. Always check your email for any edits we’ve shared and don’t hesitate to schedule an appointment with a coach.