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Understanding Document Visibility

Tawnya
  • Updated

Handshake allows you to upload multiple documents to support your job search, such as resumes, cover letters, and transcripts. While you may have several documents in your account, only one document can be designated as public at a time. Understanding how document visibility works will help you control what employers can access and when.

For steps on how to upload a document in Handshake, check out How to Upload a New Document.

 

Public documents

A document is considered public when its visibility is set to Public in Handshake. You can select this option during the upload process or update it later using the visibility settings within your Documents section.

Public documents are visible to employers in the following situations:

  • When you apply for a job with them

  • When you sign up for a virtual fair session they are hosting

  • When you register for an event hosted by them

Public documents may also be included when employers download resumes from:

  • Virtual fair RSVP lists

  • Bulk resume downloads

Public documents are not displayed directly on your profile for general browsing. Employers and other users cannot view your resume simply by visiting your profile. Access is limited to the specific interactions listed above.

Additionally, Career Services staff at your institution, with the appropriate permissions, can view all documents in your account regardless of their visibility settings.

 

Private documents

Private documents are those that are not marked as public.

These documents:

  • Can only be attached to specific job applications

  • Are visible only to the employer receiving that application and your school’s Career Services Center

  • Are not accessible to other employers or users on Handshake

 

Update document visibility

To change a document’s visibility:

  1. Click your account icon in the upper-right corner of Handshake

  2. Select Documents from the dropdown menu

  3. Click the document you want to update

  4. Click Actions in the upper-right corner, then select Edit from the dropdown menu

  5. Check the box next to Public to make the document public, or uncheck it to make it private

  6. Click the button Save to update

Note: If you are registered for a virtual fair, Handshake will prompt you to confirm which document you want to make public when you sign up for your first employer session. Employers can only download resumes from RSVP lists if the document is marked as public.