Attention JHU class of 2026! Are you looking for your first job after graduation? Handshake is one of your most valuable job search resources and, lucky for you, JHU students can access it for FREE.
But just activating your account isn’t enough — the real gains come from creating your profile, searching strategically, and reading job posts efficiently. Check out the Life Design Lab’s Handshake How-To Guide, and consult the roadmap below to access articles written by Handshake’s own experts to help you maximize your search.
1. Set-Up your Handshake Profile
Not sure where to start building your profile? Handshake has you covered! Check out this article titled “The 3 must-haves on your Handshake profile” to learn more about how adding job interests to your profile can optimize the job recommendations you receive and increase the likelihood that a recruiter may message you.
Handshake also suggests “3 high-impact, low-effort actions” you can take right now to boost your profile. These actions include updating the Your Interests section of your profile, saving jobs that interest you, and following employers you like. A complete profile is not just informative and aesthetically appealing; it also drives algorithmic matching and recruiter interest.
2. Find Jobs on Handshake
We get it, Handshake can be overwhelming at first glance. At the time of writing this post, over 10,000 jobs are available on Handshake and visible to JHU students! With a seemingly endless number of possibilities, it is important to leverage Handshake’s job search tools and filters to find opportunities that align with your interests and preferences.
Handshake provides a helpful resource that explains how to best use these tools. Their “Finding a Job on Handshake: FAQs” article outlines common user questions about how to search for jobs, apply filters, save searches, and manage notifications.
Handshake is especially helpful to seniors and new grads because it provides an “entry-level” filter. This filter may be especially helpful if you are looking for your first job after graduation. Learn more about finding entry-level work in their articles “Find Entry Level Jobs Near You with Handshake” and “Considering an Entry-Level Job After Graduation? Here’s How to Spot One!”
3. Reading Job Descriptions Efficiently
Job descriptions are the first tool to use when deciding whether to apply for a job, so reading them thoroughly is essential. However, job descriptions can be lengthy, which can be a barrier to fully understanding a job or feeling motivated to apply. Reading job descriptions efficiently can help maximize the time that you dedicate to job searching, while still gaining valuable insight into what a job entails and if it is something that truly interests you. For a thorough overview of how to do this, we recommend reading Handshake’s article “The right way to read an entry-level job description”.
Have you ever browsed job postings on the Handshake app (yes, there’s a Handshake app!) and found the ideal job, but do not have the time to read the description right away? No worries! You can easily bookmark jobs in Handshake then re-visit them later when you have more time. It’s easy too, as outlined by the blog post “Fuel Your Job Search: Save Jobs”. No matter where or when you find yourself job searching, Handshake has the features to optimize your search process.
Final Thoughts
As a free resource available to all JHU students, Handshake is an ideal place to find and apply for your first job after graduation. Using the tools and resources provided in this article, in addition to consulting your Life Design Educator, the Life Design Lab is here to support you through the job search process. Stop by drop-in hours at the Imagine Center during the spring 2026 semester to chat with a Life Design Educator and get your questions answered. From applying to jobs in Handshake, preparing for interviews, negotiating offers, and transitioning to the workforce the Life Design Lab will provide you with the resources and knowledge you need.
