Safety: Best Practices for Job Searches

1. Become familiar with the company and recruiter. Check out the company website to learn about their culture, values, and business model, and make sure it aligns with your search criteria. If they have a list of staff members, determine if you can find the name of the recruiter listed on the job posting.

2. Assess the job posting details. Where is the job located? Does the location match the company? Check out the responsibilities, and the requirements — if there's a salary posted, does the salary align with the job expectations? 

If you happen to view any jobs posted on Handshake that are sub-standard, or if the salary is much higher than the average known salary for that role, feel free to flag it so our Trust & Safety team can validate the posting. For more information on flagging an employer refer to Safety: Flagging an Employer on Handshake.

3. Update your resume and craft a cover letter. Check out our student blog for advice on How to Create a Student or New Grad Resume. For personalized advice, we recommend connecting with your school's Career Center!

1. Interview with the employer. Any reputable employer normally requires an Interview (and often more than one) before hiring. Speak with a trusted person about your interaction with the company and any documents you're asked to sign, and keep copies of all communication. Don’t accept a job you didn’t apply to, didn’t require an Interview for, or gives you an unreasonably short timeframe to accept.

2. Agree on your salary and pay frequency. Payment should typically begin after you've begun working for the company, and you shouldn't be asked to deposit or cash a company check prior to starting. 

3. Ensure the employer has provided clear expectations of what the role will entail and what your hours/schedule will be. Once you start in a role, you should know exactly what to expect of the role, both responsibilities and time commitment.

Beyond the job description, an employer’s interactions with you can be a red flag. Here are some behaviors to be on the lookout for:

• An employer contacts you by phone, but the number is blocked or not available and there's no way to return the call.
• An employer contacts you by email directly, offering you a job you didn't apply for, or inviting you to apply for a job that isn't posted on a reputable site. 
  • Tip: check if the sender's email address contains the domain @live.com or a @ that isn't affiliated with the company. 
• You're asked to cash or deposit a check on behalf of someone else, then return a portion of the cash to them and keep the remainder.