Student Handshake Resources
Handshake connects students and alumni with employers through online job/internship postings, job and internship interviews, career events, and more. Handshake is a service provided by the Career Center.
How to Log In
Click the “Visit Handshake” Button
Click on the blue box that says “Current students must sign in here with your NetID.” (This will allow you to login using the same information that you use for RamWeb.)
Log in with the CSU login portal using your NetID
You’re In!
Handshake Features
How to Log In (With Visual Guide)
- Click on the blue box that says “Current students must sign in here with your NetID.” (This will allow you to login using the same information that you use for RamWeb.)
2. Log in with the CSU login portal using your NetID
Making an appointment
1. Login to Handshake using your NetID.
2. Select “Colorado State University Career Center” on the homepage or “Career Center” on the left sidebar.
3. Select “Appointment” and select a time and place that works for you!
Searching for job postings
1. Login to Handshake using your NetID.
2. Select “Jobs” on the left sidebar.
3. Navigate the filters to find job opportunities matching your career preferences (On- campus/off-campus, location, full-time/part-time, internship, job roles, industry, etc.)
4. Apply!
Connecting with employers
1. Login to Handshake using your NetID.
2. Select “Employers” on the left sidebar.
3. Use filters to find employers matching your interests and preferences
4. You can follow employers or find contact information for recruiters
Pro Tip: After connecting with an employer at an event, send them a message through handshake! It solidifies the networking connection!
5. When you follow an employer you can get notifications when they post job openings or register for an employer event!
Pro Tip: You can see some CSU students who have gotten jobs with an employer through their page!
Finding and Registering for career events
1. Login to Handshake using your NetID.
2. Select “Events” on the left sidebar.
3. You can filter based on career fairs, career center hosted events, employer hosted events, etc.
4. Select any event you are interested in to find out more details and register!
Note: Many events will specify if “pre-registration” is needed. Oftentimes events hosted by the Career Center do NOT need registration.
5. Review events you have attended to reconnect with employers or Career Center Staff!
Top 10 ways to use Handshake as a Student
- Creating a Comprehensive Profile: It’s crucial for students to understand the importance of filling out their Handshake profile completely, including work experience, skills, interests, and career goals. This ensures that they are more visible to potential employers and receive more relevant job and internship suggestions.
Exploring Job and Internship Listings: Handshake provides access to a wide range of opportunities. Students should familiarize themselves with how to efficiently search and filter listings to find positions that match their interests and qualifications. - Networking Opportunities: Students can also network on Handshake. It’s not just a job board; it’s a platform where students can connect with alumni, industry professionals, and potential employers, which can be invaluable for career advice and opportunities.
- Attending Virtual Career Fairs and Events: Students should take advantage of virtual career fairs and other events hosted on Handshake. These can be great opportunities to meet employers, learn about companies, and discover career paths.
- Utilizing Career Services: Students should know that Handshake is directly connected to their college’s career center. This means they can use the platform to schedule appointments with career advisors, sign up for workshops, and access additional resources.
- Customizing Job Alerts: Students should set up personalized job alerts based on their interests and career goals, so they don’t miss out on relevant opportunities.
- Engaging with Content: Handshake often features articles, career advice, and employer information. Regular engagement with this content can provide valuable insights into navigating job searches and understanding what employers are looking for.
- Applying Directly Through the Platform: Students can apply for many positions directly through Handshake, including campus employment. Understanding how the application process works, including how to upload resumes and other documents, can streamline their job search efforts.
- Receiving Personalized Recommendations: Handshake’s algorithm suggests jobs, internships, and events based on students’ profiles and past activity. Students are encouraged to keep their interests and experiences up to date for the most accurate recommendations.
- Privacy and Notification Settings: Lastly, it’s important for students to review and adjust their privacy and notification settings to balance between staying informed about opportunities and managing the volume of communications they receive.
Handshake FAQ
Current Students
Who do I email for issues concerning my account?
A: career_handshake_admin@colostate.edu
Response time can vary 1-3 Business days
Can I apply for On-Campus/work study jobs through Handshake?
A: Yes! This is where all of our Work Study/Student Employment positions across campus are housed! There are also off-campus work-study positions available.
Can I get an account if I am not a CSU student?
A: No, you are not able to connect to CSU’s Handshake as it is paid for by student fees and is a perk of attending CSU! Handshake does offer an open network option for students enrolled at 4-year accredited schools and community colleges in the US that haven’t partnered directly with Handshake at this time. You can find more information at: https://support.joinhandshake.com/hc/en-us/articles/360034245293-How-to-Connect-with-Handshake-Open-Network
If you are looking to get a job at CSU, all non-student jobs are posted here: https://jobs.colostate.edu/postings/search
Do Graduate/Doctoral students get a Handshake Account?
A: Yes! All students get access!
Do CSU Online students get a Handshake account?
A: Yes! All CSU students get access!
Do CSU Pueblo students have access to Handshake?
Yes, however CSU Pueblo has a separate Handshake that can be accessed here: https://csupueblo.joinhandshake.com
New Students
When will I get access to my account?
A: You will get access two weeks after registering for classes.
What is the earliest I can get an account?
A: It depends on when you register for classes. The absolute earliest would be in the semester before you start classes. If you need an account beforehand please fill out the form at the bottom of the page.
Can I get a summer job at CSU before I start attending?
Obtaining a job before your first semester starts may be something you need. If you do not have access to Handshake and you are needing to find employment as an incoming students please fill out our Handshake Access form at the bottom of this page!
If you have attempted to gain employment and have not secured a position, please utilize these resources: https://career.colostate.edu/resource-center/
Alumni
How do I change the email on my Handshake account?
A: Please fill our Handshake Access form at the bottom of this page to change your email. Make sure to use a personal email that you can access.
How do I confirm my email?
A: Once you have filled our Handshake Access form, we will initiate an email change. You will receive an email from Handshake, which will have a link directing you to a page that will ask you to confirm your email and set a new password. After confirming your new email and setting a new password you should be able to log in.
How long do I have access to Handshake?
A: You have access to Handshake indefinitely through a partnership with the Alumni Association!
You will need to change your account email following the directions from “How do I change the email on my Handshake account?”
Employers
How do I get an employer account?
To create an employer account, please use this link: https://app.joinhandshake.com/employer_registrations/new
For additional help you can use Handshake’s help article to get started as an employer: https://support.joinhandshake.com/hc/en-us/articles/115011431228-Getting-Started-With-Handshake-Employers?mobile_site=true
Or you can contact career_campusemp@colostate.edu
I'm a CSU faculty or staff, can I get an account?
It depends! If you are wanting a student account please fill out the Colorado State University Handshake Access Form.
If you want an employee user account, please open the following link in an incognito window to register: https://app.joinhandshake.com/employer_registrations/new
This will prevent you from being redirected to a student account you may already have. Once your account is set up, you can log in using a normal browser window.
Who can help me with my employer account?
For assistance with your employer account, you can contact our employer relations specialist via the email career_campusemp@colostate.edu.
How can I use Handshake as an employer?
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Complete and Update Your Profile: A comprehensive and engaging employer profile is your first opportunity to make a good impression on potential candidates. Include detailed information about your company culture, values, and the opportunities you offer. Regularly updating your profile with new events, job openings, and company news keeps it relevant and engaging. \
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Be Responsive and Provide Feedback: Ensure that your recruitment team is responsive to applications and inquiries. Providing feedback, even to those who are not selected, can improve the candidate experience and maintain a positive reputation among potential applicants.
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Provide Engaging Content: Share engaging content about your company culture, employee success stories, career development tips, and industry insights. This type of content can help attract potential candidates by providing them with a better understanding of your company and the opportunities it offers.
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Offer Internships and Co-op Positions: Offering internships and co-operative education positions is a great way to engage with students early in their academic careers. These opportunities can serve as a pipeline for future full-time positions and help students become familiar with your company culture and expectations.
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Create a Campus Ambassador Program: Recruiting students or recent alumni as campus ambassadors can help increase your company’s brand awareness and attractiveness to potential candidates. These ambassadors can promote your company on campus, share their experiences working with you, and help organize recruitment events.
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Build Relationships with Career Services: Establishing strong relationships with career services departments at your target schools can enhance your recruitment efforts. They can offer insights into the student population, promote your events and opportunities, and even recommend candidates.
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Leverage Handshake’s Analytics: Use Handshake’s analytics tools to track the performance of your job postings and events. Analyzing this data can help you understand what’s working, what isn’t, and how you can improve your recruitment strategy over time.
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Engage in Campus Recruiting Events Virtually and In-Person: Participate in career fairs, information sessions, and other recruiting events hosted on Handshake. Whether virtually or in person, these events provide a valuable opportunity to interact with potential candidates, increase your company’s visibility, and build relationships with universities.
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Utilize Handshake’s Targeting Features: Handshake allows employers to target students based on various criteria such as major, skills, and year of graduation. Use these features to tailor your job postings and outreach efforts to the most relevant audience, increasing the likelihood of finding a good match.
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Post Clear and Detailed Job Listings: Ensure that your job listings are clear, detailed, and accurately reflect the roles and responsibilities of the position. Include information about required qualifications, job functions, and any unique benefits or opportunities that come with the role.
Colorado State University Handshake Access Form
This form is to request access to Handshake through Colorado State University – Fort Collins. Fill out this form ONCE and you should be contacted within 1-3 business days.
If you are a current student please follow login instructions as described at the top of this page.
If you are a CSU Pueblo student go to this link to access your school’s Handshake login: https://csupueblo.joinhandshake.com
