Career Development Resources
Handshake 101: Getting Started
Handshake is WVU’s career platform. It’s where you’ll find internships and jobs, sign up for career fairs and events, and book appointments with Eberly Career Development.
Every WVU student already has an account. This page covers the basics to get you started. For step-by-step help, see the full Handshake 101 guide from WVU Career Services.
What you can do in Handshake
Find opportunities
Search and apply for internships, part-time jobs and full-time positions.
Attend events
Register for career fairs, employer visits and networking events.
Book appointments
Schedule time with Eberly Career Development and other WVU career staff.
Get noticed
Build a profile that employers can find and message you through.
Log in
- Go to wvu.joinhandshake.com.
- Choose West Virginia University Sign On and log in with your WVU username and password.
- Answer a few quick questions about your interests. Setup takes about five minutes.
Handshake also has a mobile app, so you can check new postings and event reminders on the go. Download it from the App Store or Google Play.
Set up for success
Complete your profile
Handshake recommends jobs and events based on what’s in your profile, so the more you fill in, the better your matches. Add your major, class year, experience, skills and career interests.
Upload a strong resume
Polish your resume first, then upload it to Handshake so employers can see it and so you can apply with one click.
Start with an Eberly resume template
Search smarter
- Use filters for job type, location, industry and remote options.
- Search by skills and interests, not just job titles.
- Save postings you like so you can come back before the deadline.
Career coach tip
Not sure what to search for? Try keywords tied to your major, like research, policy, communications or data. Our internship guide has more search ideas.
Stay safe from job scams
Handshake reviews employers, but scams can still slip through. Be cautious if an employer:
- Asks you to pay money or buy gift cards
- Sends you a check to buy equipment
- Wants your Social Security or bank information before you’re hired
- Offers you a job without an interview
- Emails from a personal account instead of a company address
- Pressures you to decide right away
- Promises pay that seems too good to be true
- Only communicates by text or a messaging app
See something suspicious? Report the posting in Handshake or email careercenter@mail.wvu.edu. Forward suspicious emails to DefendYourData@mail.wvu.edu.
Ready to get started?
Log in to Handshake today, then book an appointment with Eberly Career Development for help with your profile, resume or search strategy.