Deleting your Handshake account removes it permanently
When you delete your Handshake account, the platform removes your profile, resume, messages, and job process history. This action is permanent — Handshake does not keep a backup you can restore later. If you think you might return to job searching through Handshake in the future, you may want to deactivate instead, which hides your profile but keeps your account data intact.
The deletion process itself takes a few minutes and happens through your account settings. Handshake will ask you to confirm your choice before the account is actually removed, so you have a moment to change your mind.
Key Takeaways
- Deleting your account is permanent and removes your profile, resume, messages, and job history from Handshake's servers.
- You can only delete your account through the Handshake website or mobile app — there is no phone number or email address to contact for deletion.
- If you might use Handshake again later, deactivating your account hides your profile without erasing your data.
- After deletion, you can create a new Handshake account with the same email address, but it will start completely fresh with no previous information.
Steps to delete your account on the website
Log into your Handshake account on a computer or through a web browser. Go to your account settings by clicking the menu icon (usually three horizontal lines) in the top right corner, then select "Settings" or "Account Settings" depending on which version of the site you see.
Scroll down to the bottom of the settings page. You will see a section labeled "Delete Account" or "Danger Zone." Click the button that says "Delete Account" or "Delete My Account." Handshake will show you a warning message explaining that deletion is permanent and asking you to confirm. Read this message carefully, then click the confirmation button to proceed.
The system may ask you to enter your password one more time as a final security check. Type your password and submit. Your account will then be deleted, and you will be logged out when ready.
Deleting your account through the mobile app
Open the Handshake app and log in if you are not already. Tap the menu icon (three horizontal lines or a profile icon, depending on your phone's operating system) at the bottom or top of the screen. Look for "Settings" and tap it.
Scroll to the very bottom of the settings menu. You should see "Delete Account" or similar language. Tap that option. The app will display a confirmation message warning you that deletion is permanent. Confirm your choice by tapping the button the app provides, and enter your password if prompted.
Once you confirm, the app will log you out and your account will be deleted. You can then delete the Handshake app from your phone if you wish, though this is separate from deleting your account.
What happens to your information after deletion
Handshake removes your profile from its public directory when ready, so employers and recruiters can no longer see you. Your messages, job applications, and saved jobs all disappear. Any conversations you had with employers or career coaches through the platform are gone.
Handshake may retain some information for legal or security reasons — for example, records of transactions or reports you filed — but this data is not connected to your profile and is not visible to you. The company's privacy policy describes what data they keep and for how long, though the specifics vary by state and situation.
The difference between deleting and deactivating
Deactivating your account hides your profile from employers and removes you from search results, but Handshake keeps all your data. You can log back in at any time and reactivate your account, and everything — your resume, messages, applications — will be exactly as you left it. Deactivation is reversible.
Deleting your account erases everything and cannot be undone. If you change your mind later, you can create a new account with the same email address, but it will be completely blank. You would have to rebuild your profile and resume from scratch.
If you are taking a break from job searching but think you might return, deactivation is usually the safer choice. Deletion makes sense only if you are certain you will not use Handshake again.
Creating a new account after deletion
You can create a new Handshake account using the same email address you used before, but only after your old account has been fully deleted. This usually takes a few hours to a day. If you try to sign up when ready after deletion and the system says the email is already in use, wait a few hours and try again.
When you create the new account, it will be completely fresh. You will need to upload your resume, fill out your profile information, and rebuild your job preferences. Handshake will not transfer any information from your deleted account, so you are starting over.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I undo a deletion after I confirm it?
No. Once you confirm deletion, your account and all its data are permanently removed. Handshake does not restore deleted accounts. If you change your mind, you can create a new account, but it will be blank.
Will deleting my account remove my information from employer records?
Deleting your Handshake account removes your profile from the platform, but employers who already received your resume or viewed your process may still have copies. Deletion only affects what is stored on Handshake's servers.
What if I forgot my password and cannot delete my account?
Use the "Forgot Password" link on the Handshake login page to reset your password. Once you regain access to your account, you can proceed with deletion through settings. If you cannot reset your password, contact Handshake's support team through the help section of the website.
Does deactivating my account hide me from all employers?
Yes. When you deactivate, your profile no longer appears in employer searches and your status shows as inactive. Employers cannot message you or see your updated information, but your account data remains on Handshake's servers and can be reactivated later.
Can I delete my account if I have pending job applications?
Yes, you can delete your account at any time, even with open applications. However, deleting removes your profile from the employer's view, which may cause them to close your process or mark it as incomplete. If you want to withdraw from specific jobs first, do that before deleting.