Handshake Job Search

Student Responsibility Guidelines for Applications and Interviews

Student Acknowledgement

By using the College’s online recruiting system, it constitutes an agreement between the career centers of The Claremont Colleges and you that you will adhere to the rules, regulations and policies that are incorporated as part of this agreement. You understand that any abridgment of the rules, regulations and/or policies by you constitutes the basis for revoking your on-campus recruiting privileges at The Claremont Colleges.

Responsibilities

• I need to submit my application materials through my college’s online recruiting system before the designated deadline listed by employers.
• If selected for an interview, and I agree to accept the employer’s invitation, it is my responsibility to select an interview time.
• I am responsible for keeping track of my interview dates, times, and locations. I need to check in with the appropriate career center 10-15 minutes prior to my interview(s) if interviewing on another campus. Otherwise, report directly to your interview if interviewing at on Harvey Mudd campus.
• Noncompliance on my part with this policy may revoke all recruiting privileges at the Claremont Colleges for the remainder of the academic year and may result in further disciplinary action.

Cancellation Procedures

I am professionally and ethically obligated to keep all scheduled interview appointments. If I must cancel, I may do so through my college’s online recruiting system 48 hours prior to the interview date.

In Case of an Emergency

• After the 48-hour deadline, in the case of an emergency, I agree to call or visit in-person the Recruiting Coordinator or another professional staff member at the host career center as soon as possible. (No e-mail or voicemail will be accepted.)
• I agree to document my cancellation by noting the date and time I called and the name of the person with whom I spoke at the host career center to arrange the cancellation.
• I understand that if I have to cancel after the deadline, no matter what the reason for the cancellation, I am obligated to write an apology letter to the company recruiter with a copy to my career center, and if the host campus is at one of the other Claremont Colleges, a copy to that center as well.

No Show Policy

I understand that if I do not show up for my scheduled interview, I will lose all recruiting privileges at The Claremont Colleges for the remainder of the academic year and may result in further disciplinary action.

Tips to Avoid Fraudulent Job/Intern Postings

The Office of Career Services at Harvey Mudd College does its best to keep fraudulent postings out of Handshake; however, sometimes listings make it through the shared Claremont College screening process. Thus, we ask that you perform your due diligence and research employers and postings to avoid employment scams.

Below are some of the common red flags, but not all possible instances of potential fraud. These are good things to be aware of even for job opportunities outside of Handshake.

• If asked for credit card, bank account, PayPal or any financial information.
• If the domain in the contact’s email address does not match the website domain.
• If a position is not posted on the company website.
• If a posting includes many spelling and grammatical errors.
• If a position sounds more like an independent contractor opportunity.
• If a posting focuses too much on the amount of money you can make.
• If the company description in the job posting doesn’t match information presented on their website (even if the website seems legit).
• If it is difficult to find an address, actual contact, company name, etc.
• If the salary range listed is very wide, e.g. “employees earn $40K—$80K the first year!”
• If there are several scam reports concerning this company on Rip Off Report and or Trust BBB.
• If the employer’s phone number and/or email address does not appear connected to an actual business organization (use AT&T’s Anywho to help with this).
• If the employer contacts you by phone, but there is no way to call them back.
• If the employer asks to interview you at off hours in a private setting.

For any of these scenarios above, proceed with caution. When you see a posting in Handshake or behavior of an employer makes you suspicious, email career_services@hmc.edu or call us 909.621.8091.

For victims employment scams, contact the local police. When applicable, reach out to your bank and/or credit card company to close your accounts and dispute the charges. You should also file an incident report with The United States Department of Justice and the Federal Trade Commission.