Handshake reviews

3.1

43% would recommend to a friend

(289 total reviews)

Garrett Lord

44% approve of CEO

37% positive business outlook

Handshake has an employee rating of 3.1 out of 5 stars, based on 289 company reviews on Glassdoor which indicates that most employees have a good working experience there. The Handshake employee rating is in line with the average (within 1 standard deviation) for employers within the Education industry (3.7 stars).

Reviews by job title

289 reviews
1.0
Jul 25, 2025
Recommend
CEO approval
Business Outlook

Pros

Great, fun, and smart people Office Lunch

Cons

I've worked at several organizations, and unfortunately, this has been the most challenging environment by far. The biggest issue is leadership’s disconnect from how their teams truly feel. What keeps many of us going is the camaraderie built through shared frustration, not support from above. From a sales perspective, the approach here feels stuck in the past. The industry has evolved dramatically over the last decade, yet the emphasis on outdated volume-based tactics, reminiscent of the old "Indeed" model, has led to dismal results, with attainment hovering around 40% at best. Buyers today aren’t swayed by "excitement"or repetition, they’re looking to solve real, tangible business problems. None of which are discussed in any forecasting meetings, 1:1's, etc. It often starts and ends with "do they know the discount expires EOM?". Which leads to reps being forced to forecast a deal, only to have it drop at the finish line, while management looks at you like they saw a ghost. The mission, Students First, is genuinely meaningful. But for that mission to be sustainable and successful, Handshake must also include, at the bare minimum, Employees Second. It’s time to evolve, not just in product or GTM strategy, but in how we lead and support the people building the business. I promise, corny slacks from above, don't do anything.

1.0
Jun 10, 2025
Recommend
CEO approval
Business Outlook

Pros

Pay isn't bad They've lasted a while Technology is good

Cons

Constant silent layoffs, not a stable place at all They love to let people go after a certain amount of time, you'd be hard pressed finding people there that's been there longer than a year Most people end up on FMLA because they work people until they end up in the hospital Financially they are not doing well

1.0
May 6, 2025

Stay Away

Recommend
CEO approval
Business Outlook

Pros

- Hybrid work - catered food for office days - The coworkers are the best part and other teams in the offices - Have all the relevant softwares you need

Cons

- Horrible management. C levels do not know what they are doing. - This is a nice to have product. It’s not a need. The price that we sell Handshake for is too expensive to justify for companies to buy. - They let go of everyone. Since my time here 15 people have been let go and they’re just going to let go of more people if they do not hit their number. - 85% of the team does not hit quota. - You are an SDR. They track calls and emails more than they track closed won deals. - Managers micromanage. All the good AE’s are leaving.

Viewing 52 - 54 of 289 Reviews

Glassdoor has 459 Handshake reviews submitted anonymously by Handshake employees. Read employee reviews and ratings on Glassdoor to decide if Handshake is right for you.