What is Handshake?
Handshake is a one stop shop for UC Merced students and alumni to connect with On Campus (UC Merced) and Off Campus (local and national) employers seeking to provide university students employment opportunities.
Students can download the Handshake app to stay updated on fresh jobs and virtual events, then apply from anywhere.
Why Handshake?
Handshake is currently utilized at UC Merced for external employers to connect with UC Merced students for jobs and internships.
Handshake offers robust recruitment resources for both students and hiring managers/supervisors
How is Handshake being deployed at UC Merced?
Handshake is being deployed in a “phased” (1 & 2) approach to help both students and on campus employers’ transition into the new system.
What is Phase 1?
In phase 1; Student Employment Services will work with on campus employers to create “employer” accounts that can be individually tailored to highlight employer specific information such as a mission statement or branding.
Is the Job Posting Request process changing?
No. Employer representatives (hiring managers, supervisors, job pool reviewers, etc.) will continue to request job postings via the Job Posting Request webform.
Will Applicant Reviewers have to access to applicant information in the Handshake platform?
During Phase 1, only Student Employment Services will have access to Employer Accounts. Expanded use will be explored with Phase 2 (Mid-Late Spring 2021)
How will applicant reviewers view applicant information?
Employer representatives (hiring managers, supervisors, job pool reviewers, etc.) will receive an “applicant package” via a Handshake system generated email vs accessing a platform.
Applicant packages will include the candidate’s resume and any other documents that were indicated as required on the Job Posting Request.
Receipt of emails may be; as new applicants apply, an applicant summary when a job posting closes, and/or both.
Will VPN access be necessary to view applicants?
No. There is no VPN requirement to receive or review applications as they are delivered via email.
If a hiring manager does not include multiple representatives as applicant reviewers, are they able to forward the email "package" to others?
Yes. Emails can be sent to other respective parties as the package will contain a pdf of the applicant information.
Can student IDs be required to be included in application packets?
No. There is no functionality to allow for customization to include student ID numbers for applicants.
What is Phase 2?
Handshake offers additional features that were unable to be deployed as part of phase 1. In Phase 2, SES will work with on campus employers to determine best next steps to deploying enhancements within employer accounts.
Delivery of more robust training and support information specific to doing business in Handshake for UC Merced
Is Handshake integrated with UCPath, TRS or other UC Merced enterprise systems?
No. Handshake is a stand-alone platform that does not have any integration to other systems used at UC Merced.
Is the Job Posting Request process changing?
No. While there will be an enhanced Job Posting Request form, it will be updated to align with optional screening criteria and applicant package delivery options.
How will Hiring Mangers/Supervisors view applications submitted prior to the conversion to Handshake?
The last day for students to submit applications via CatPAWS is 5 pm on 12/11/20. Hiring Managers are encouraged to review their pool applicants and download resumes of interest before December 31, 2020.
