You can delete your Handshake account through your account settings, and the process takes about five minutes
Handshake is a job platform used by colleges and employers to connect students and recent graduates with internships and entry-level positions. If you no longer want to use the platform, you can remove your account entirely. The deletion is permanent — once you confirm, Handshake removes your profile, messages, and application history.
The steps differ slightly depending on whether you access Handshake on a computer or phone, but both routes lead to the same settings page where you can request deletion.
Key Takeaways
- You delete a Handshake account by going to Settings, selecting Account, and choosing the delete option at the bottom of the page.
- Handshake will ask you to confirm your password before processing the deletion request.
- Account deletion is permanent and cannot be undone, so download any information you want to keep before you proceed.
- After you request deletion, Handshake may take a few days to fully remove your account from their servers.
Delete your account on a computer
Open Handshake in a web browser and log in with your email and password. Once you are on your home page, look for your profile icon or initials in the top right corner of the screen and click it.
A dropdown menu will appear. Select Settings from this menu. On the Settings page, find and click Account in the left sidebar. Scroll to the bottom of the Account page until you see a red button or link labeled Delete Account or Deactivate Account. Click this button.
Handshake will ask you to re-enter your password to confirm you want to delete the account. Type your password into the field and click the confirmation button. Your account will be marked for deletion, and Handshake will send a confirmation email to the address associated with your account.
Delete your account on a phone or tablet
Open the Handshake app and log in if you are not already signed in. Tap the menu icon (usually three horizontal lines) in the top left or bottom right corner, depending on your device and app version.
Scroll down the menu until you find Settings and tap it. Look for Account or Account Settings and tap that option. Scroll to the bottom of the page to find the delete or deactivate option. Tap Delete Account.
You will be asked to confirm your password. Enter it and tap the confirmation button. The app will process your deletion request, and you should receive a confirmation email within a few minutes.
What happens after you request deletion
Once you confirm the deletion, your Handshake profile becomes inaccessible immediately. Employers and other users cannot view your profile or send you messages. However, Handshake's servers may take a few days to fully remove all your data from their systems.
You will receive a confirmation email from Handshake acknowledging your deletion request. Keep this email for your records. If you change your mind within a short window (usually 24 to 48 hours), you may be able to contact Handshake support to reverse the deletion, but this is not may provide.
Save your information before deleting
Before you delete your account, consider downloading or saving any information you might need later. This includes job applications you submitted, messages from employers, internship offers, or recommendations from professors or supervisors.
Handshake does not provide an automatic download feature for your data, so you will need to manually copy or screenshot anything important. Take notes on internships or jobs you applied for, dates of applications, and any feedback you received. Once your account is deleted, this information will no longer be available to you.
If you want to pause instead of delete
If you are not sure whether you want to delete your account permanently, Handshake may offer a deactivation option instead. Deactivation hides your profile from employers and other users but keeps your account and data on Handshake's servers. You can reactivate a deactivated account by logging back in.
Check your Settings page to see whether a deactivate option appears alongside or instead of the delete option. Deactivation is useful if you think you might return to job searching in the future but do not want your profile visible right now.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I delete my Handshake account if I forgot my password?
You will need your password to confirm the deletion. If you cannot remember it, use the "Forgot Password" link on the Handshake login page to reset it. Once you have reset your password, you can log in and proceed with deletion.
Will deleting my Handshake account affect my college email or student record?
No. Handshake is a separate platform from your college's systems. Deleting your Handshake account does not change your college email, student status, or any records your school maintains. Your college may still have records of your Handshake activity if they use Handshake as an official recruiting tool.
Can I delete my account if I have an active job application or offer?
Yes, you can delete your account at any time. However, deleting your account will remove your application from Handshake's system. If you have a pending offer or active communication with an employer, contact them directly before deleting to ensure they have your information through another channel.
How long does it take for Handshake to completely remove my account?
Your profile becomes hidden immediately after you confirm deletion, but Handshake's servers may take a few days to fully purge your data. You should assume your account is completely gone within one week, though it may happen faster.