Deleting your Handshake account removes all your profile data, saved jobs, and messages from their servers
Handshake does not offer a self-service delete button in your account settings. To remove your account permanently, you must contact Handshake support directly and request account deletion. They will close your profile and remove your personal information from their system, though this process can take several business days to complete.
The deletion is permanent—you cannot recover your profile, job history, or messages after the account is gone. If you think you might return to Handshake later, consider deactivating instead, which hides your profile but keeps your data intact.
Key Takeaways
- Handshake requires you to contact their support team to delete your account; there is no delete button in settings.
- Deletion is permanent and removes all your profile information, saved jobs, applications, and messages from Handshake's servers.
- Deactivation is a reversible option that hides your profile without erasing your data.
- The deletion process typically takes three to five business days after you submit your request.
How to request account deletion through Handshake support
Go to the Handshake help center at support.joinhandshake.com and click the chat icon or "Contact Us" button. Select the option for account or profile issues. In your message, clearly state that you want to permanently delete your account and provide the email address associated with your Handshake login.
Handshake support will ask you to confirm your identity—usually by verifying the email address or asking security questions tied to your account. Once confirmed, they will process the deletion request. You will receive a confirmation email when your account has been removed.
Keep the confirmation email for your records. If you need proof that your account was deleted for privacy or data-removal purposes, this email serves as documentation.
What happens to your data when you delete
Handshake removes your profile from their public directory, so recruiters and employers can no longer search for or contact you. Your saved jobs, applications, and messages are deleted. Any conversations you had with employers or career coaches through the platform are erased.
Your account history—including job applications you submitted and interviews you scheduled—will no longer be visible to you or to employers. If an employer has already downloaded your resume or saved your profile information before deletion, that copy remains with them; Handshake deletion does not reach into their systems.
Deactivation as an alternative to deletion
If you are unsure whether you want to delete permanently, deactivate your account instead. Deactivation hides your profile from recruiters and employers but keeps your data on Handshake's servers. You can reactivate at any time by logging back in.
To deactivate, log into your Handshake account, go to Settings, find the Account or Privacy section, and look for a "Deactivate Account" option. Some versions of Handshake show this under "Account Preferences." Confirm the deactivation when prompted.
Deactivation takes effect immediately. Your profile will no longer appear in recruiter searches, and you will not receive job recommendations or messages. Your data remains safe if you decide to return later.
Reasons to delete versus deactivate
Delete your account if: you have graduated and will not use Handshake again, you are concerned about your data being stored, you want a complete break from the platform, or you are switching to a different job search tool permanently.
Deactivate your account if: you are taking a break from job searching but may return later, you want to pause recruiter contact without losing your profile history, or you are unsure whether you will need Handshake in the future. Deactivation is reversible; deletion is not.
What to do if you cannot reach Handshake support
If the chat or contact form is not responding, try emailing Handshake directly. Look for a support email address on their website or in your account settings. Include your full name, email address, and a clear statement that you want to delete your account permanently.
Handshake typically responds to support requests within one to two business days. If you do not hear back within a week, send a follow-up message. Keep copies of all emails you send so you have a record of your deletion request.
If you are a student at a school that uses Handshake as an official career tool, you can also contact your school's career services office. They may be able to escalate your deletion request or provide you with a direct contact at Handshake support.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I delete my Handshake account if I have pending job applications?
Yes, you can delete your account even with open applications. However, employers who have already received your application will still have your resume and information. Handshake deletion does not withdraw your applications or notify employers that you have left the platform.
Will deleting my Handshake account affect my school email or student record?
No. Handshake is a separate platform from your school's systems. Deleting your Handshake account does not affect your school email, student account, or academic records. Your school may still have access to Handshake data through their institutional account, but your personal profile will be gone.
How long does it take for Handshake to fully delete my account?
Deletion typically takes three to five business days after Handshake support confirms your request. During this time, your profile may still be visible in search results, but it will be removed once the process completes. You will receive a confirmation email when deletion is finished.
Can I download my data before I delete my account?
Handshake does not currently offer a built-in data download feature. If you want to keep copies of your resume, cover letters, or job application history, save them to your computer before requesting deletion. Once your account is deleted, you will not be able to retrieve this information from Handshake.
What if I change my mind after deleting my account?
Deletion is permanent. You cannot recover a deleted account or its data. If you want to use Handshake again, you will need to create a new account from scratch. This is why deactivation is a better choice if you think you might return.