Employers on Handshake have the option to host virtual info chats with candidates. Virtual info chats are intended to share information about a role, company, or team. While this flow is similar to employer-hosted meetings, there are some key differences, such as length and how you can sign up.
To learn more about employer-hosted meetings, refer to Attending Employer Hosted Meetings.
Virtual chats include one employer and one student per session and are:
- Scheduled for 15 minutes each
- Hosted via integrated video on Handshake
If an employer shares their availability calendar with you via messaging in Handshake, you have the option to register for a virtual info chat with them. Employers may also add you to a scheduled virtual chat that you must confirm.
Virtual Info Chats via Messages
Employers may share their availability with you via messages–to sign up for a meeting. To sign up, click the blue button Find a time.
In the popup that appears, select the desired day and time for your meeting, then click Schedule Chat in the lower-left corner.
A scheduling confirmation will appear in the lower-right corner of the screen, and your selections are reflected in the message thread.
Virtual Info Chats via Employer Invite
When an employer invites you to a specific time, a notification email is sent to you with details for the date, time, and who scheduled the virtual chat. Click the button Manage meetings in the email to access the Employer Meetings page.
For specific details and an example of this email, check out Employer-hosted Meeting and Virtual Chat Emails (for Students & Alumni).
Joining a Virtual Chat
You can review all of your scheduled virtual chats and launch a scheduled meeting from the Employer Meetings page. Access this page by clicking on:
- The selected date and time in the message details (if you signed up via a message)
- Your account icon in the upper-right corner of the screen, then clicking My Meetings
- The button in the email you received:
- Manage meetings (notification of employer invite)
- Go to my interviews (signup confirmation)
The Join video button will be gray until 5 minutes before the scheduled start time (as shown in the image below). At 5 minutes before, the button will activate and turn dark blue. Click the button Join video to launch a new tab with the video.
Tip: ensure your device/system settings for integrated video on Handshake are set up and ready before your scheduled chat! For recommendations, check out Attendee Requirements for Integrated Video.
For an overview of all the features in our integrated video, check out Attending via Video on Handshake!