Handshake Tips & Tricks

Handshake Tips & Tricks: Finding a Campus Job at Wesleyan

All campus jobs are posted on Handshake, Wesleyan’s career management platform and job board for students. Maximize your job search with the following tips and tricks!

Learn more with the step-by-step guide How to Find a Job & Work On-Campus.

See Bonus Tips for Success at the end!

1. Log In to Handshake

2. Set Up Your Profile & Career Interests

  • Click your profile icon in the top right corner > My Profile
  • Add your work experience, activities, courses, and skills.
    Your Handshake Profile acts as a type of resume for employers.
  • Click your profile icon in the top right corner > My Career Interests.
    Complete the short questionnaire to customize your job recommendations. 
  • This improves the relevance of all the content you see on Handshake.

3. Search for Campus Jobs

  • Go to the Jobs tab > Under the Wesleyan Collections dropdown, select On-Campus Jobs.
  • Use filters and the sort tool to narrow your search. Use broad keywords (like “course assistant”, “research”, “summer”, “gallery”, or department names). 
  • Campus jobs are posted throughout the year; check Handshake regularly. 

4 . Save Your Search

  • After filtering, toggle on “Get alerts for jobs like this“. You’ll receive alerts when new matching jobs are posted. 
  • Manage notifications in your profile under Manage Alerts.

5. Apply for Jobs

  • Each posting lists the job description and specific application instructions.
    You may need to submit:
    • A completed Handshake Profile 
    • A Resume – must be approved by the Gordon Career Center before submitting
    • A Cover Letter
    • A Transcript – see your unofficial transcript on WesPortal > Academic History
    • A Portfolio, Writing Sample, or other specialized materials
  • Upload documents under your profile > My Documents.

Tip: Even if you’re not sure you meet every qualification in the job description – apply anyway! Most campus jobs are entry-level and provide training. 

If a job requires work-study eligibility, it will be stated in the job description. Most campus jobs do not require work-study, but all campus jobs accept work-study.  Learn more about work-study.

Reminder! Resume Approval

To apply for jobs on Handshake that require a resume, your document must first be approved by a career advisor. 

  • Use our resume writing resources and templates.
  • Schedule a resume review appointment with a career advisor.
  • Upload your resume as early as possible – review can take up to 3 business days. Most resumes require revisions before approval, so start early. 

Once your resume is approved, all future uploaded resumes will be automatically approved and you will not have to wait through the review process. Be sure to check your document status before the application deadline. Handshake will withdraw your application if your resume isn’t approved before the deadline. 

6. Keep Track of Your Applications

  • Click your profile icon > My Jobs to view saved and submitted applications, check your application statuses, and review job descriptions.
  • Check Handshake messages and your Wesleyan email regularly for updates from employers.
  • Haven’t heard back in 2 weeks? Reach out to the employer listed on the job posting.

7. Stay Safe & Scam-Aware

  • All legitimate on-campus jobs are posted on Handshake.
  • If you get a job offer or request for personal information from an unknown source, forward it to security@wesleyan.edu. 

When communicating with an employer or searching for a job, be on the lookout for the following “Red Flag” situations.

Red Flag Situations

  • Makes an offer for a position without ever interacting/interviewing you
  • You receive an email from an employer you have had no interaction with offering you a job or to “make money quickly”
  • Offers a large sum of money for minimal work – seems too good to be true
  • Offers payment before you do any work or sends you compensation unexpectedly
  • Requests for you to make a payment upfront via transfer/wire money, money order, or courier
  • Requests your personal information – social security number, credit card information, bank account number, copies of your license, passport, photograph, or other personal documents
  • Posting lacks all or some of the following information: company name, contact information, etc.
  • Postings with spelling and grammatical errors
  • Employer website without a clear description of the business, contact information, or job descriptions

If you reply to a phishing scam and provide your personal information, we recommend the following:

  • Cease communication.
  • Report the phishing email to ITS (security@wesleyan.edu).
  • Reach out to your financial institutions if money was involved.
  • Consider filing a police report in extreme scenarios.
  • Sign up for credit monitoring.

Bonus Tips for Success

  • Apply to a variety of positions – not just desk jobs. These tend to be the most competitive positions.
  • Aim to apply to 8-10 positions during the busiest hiring times. Most campus jobs are posted on Handshake for an average of two weeks. Some positions stay posted on Handshake for multiple months and conduct rolling hires, accepting and reviewing applications continuously.
  • Check your email for the Gordon Career Center’s weekly newsletter for highlighted opportunities.
  • Attend the Campus Job Fair and other career events listed under the Events tab on Handshake.
  • Schedule an On-Campus Employment advising appointment for personalized guidance and help.


Helpful Links


📩 More questions? Email campusemployment@wesleyan.edu or visit the Gordon Career Center.

Last Updated June 18, 2025.