Virtual events are a powerful way to enhance your early talent strategy. They help you reach a wider audience while reducing travel-related costs.
Use these guidelines to create, host, and follow up on engaging virtual events.
Features available to Premium partners only are indicated by an asterisk (*). For more information, please check out this resource.
Create an event
For detailed steps, refer to How to Create an Event.
Edit an event
To edit or delete an existing event, refer to Edit or Cancel Existing Events.
Handshake Video
*Handshake Video is only available to Premium partners with the Event Manager module.
You can choose between hosting an interactive event or a large event:
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Interactive events
- Support up to 100 registrants.
- Participants can independently unmute themselves and turn on their cameras.
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Large events
- Support up to 1,000 registrants.
- Participants cannot unmute themselves or enable their cameras independently.
When creating the event, you can set the total number of hosts and assign teammates as co-hosts afterward.
Note: only teammates designated as event co-hosts will be able to launch the event.
On the event overview page, click the button Select hosts in the yellow banner located mid-page to add teammates as hosts.
In the pop-up modal, select the teammate to add, then click Save.
If you use Handshake Video, you will be able to launch your event video up to 60 minutes early to test audio and video connections.
For assistance with video requirements and troubleshooting, refer to Handshake Video Requirements & Troubleshooting.
Click each headline below to learn best practices for creating and hosting engaging virtual events.
Before the event
1. Plan your event
- Set goals: Define your objectives, such as increasing brand awareness or driving applications.
- Find the right host: Select relatable speakers, like recent grads, for a stronger connection with students.
- Promote effectively: Tailor outreach to specific roles or groups. Learn how to personalize recruiting outreach for Gen Z.
2. Choose an event type
- Office Tours: Show day-to-day life through pre-recorded videos.
- AMA (Ask Me Anything): Let students ask questions about culture, hiring, and career growth.
- Employee Panels: Feature relatable alumni and employees to share their career journeys.
- ERGs (Employee Resource Groups): Highlight inclusivity and support within your organization.
3. Select a platform
Handshake supports external links for live-streaming. Popular platforms include Zoom, WebEx, YouTube Live, and Facebook Live.
4. Target your audience
Use Handshake's segmentation tools to invite priority student groups. Aim for a higher RSVP count than your attendance goal (e.g., target 85 RSVPs for 50 attendees).
During the event
Test audio and video
- Test audio and video: Login 20 minutes early to test connections and troubleshoot issues. You may take our Handshake Video Test.
- Track attendance: Use RSVP lists or download attendee data from your streaming platform. Learn more about Accessing Event and Fair RSVPs.
- Monitor engagement: Assign a moderator to manage chat questions and facilitate discussions.
After the event
1. Follow Up
- For attendees: Recap key content and share next steps, like applying for open roles.
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For no-shows: Send a “sorry we missed you” message with your main call to action.
- Learn more about Messaging Event and Fair RSVPs.
2. Measure Success
- Track attendees through your hiring funnel using source codes. This data helps demonstrate ROI to leadership.
Pro-tips
- Timing: Host events on Tuesdays to Thursdays, considering time zones (3–6 pm ET works well nationally).
- Duration: Keep sessions concise—45 minutes of content plus 15 minutes for Q&A.
- Authenticity: Foster genuine connections by using casual, unscripted conversations.
Looking for the highlights? Download a snapshot of these virtual event takeaways for easy reference.