To learn how to request approval and connect with schools, refer to Connecting with Schools on Handshake.
What schools look for during approval
Schools review approval requests to ensure that employers meet their recruiting standards and provide safe, legitimate opportunities for students. While criteria differ, approval decisions often consider:
A complete and professional employer profile with a logo, website, and accurate company details
A legitimate business email domain (for example, yourcompany.com instead of Gmail or Yahoo)
Clear, detailed job postings that accurately describe roles and qualifications
A positive reputation or established track record
Transparency about the organization’s business model, roles, and compensation
Tip: Schools are more likely to approve employers that provide clear, credible information about their organization and job opportunities.
If your company is new to Handshake or has limited recruiting history, ensure your profile and job postings are complete before submitting requests. This helps schools make informed approval decisions.
To strengthen your company’s profile and improve your chances of approval, refer to Create a High Quality Employer Profile.
If your request is delayed or declined
Approval timelines vary by school, but most decisions are made within 1–5 business days. If your request remains pending for several days, consider contacting the school’s Career Services department for an update.
If your request is declined, review your company profile and job postings for completeness or clarity. You can also reach out to the school directly to learn more about their approval criteria.
Note: Handshake cannot override or change a school’s approval decision.
To view and understand your connection request status, refer to Understanding Your School Connection Status.