Handshake's reputation is ruined.
After working on multiple projects like I*y, R*******e, P********r, and completing the onboarding for project D****o, I randomly got hit with the "We're reviewing your account. No action is needed from you right now. We'll reach out by email once your review is complete" notification.
I emailed support the exact same day the review notice popped up, and one hour later, I received the exact same generic copy-paste response everyone gets:
"Thank you for reaching out, and we appreciate the work you’ve completed with us so far.
Following a routine review, we’ve decided to discontinue your participation on our platform. While we’re unable to share specific details from the review, this decision is final and cannot be reconsidered.
However, you will retain access to the information on your Handshake AI dashboard, and all eligible work you’ve already completed will be paid out in full according to our standard payment process.
Thank you again for your time and contributions. We wish you the best going forward.
Best"
Zero reasoning provided, zero opportunity to appeal. I haven't violated a single term or condition, and I've fully complied with all my documentation. On top of that, I am a student at one of the Bay Area colleges that Handshake actively partners with as a job board platform. Living right here in Bay Area, I'm honestly tempted to go straight to their local offices to demand a real explanation.
Getting this kind of treatment speaks volumes about how unprofessional, unreliable, and irresponsible Handshake AI really is. To anyone thinking about joining: don't waste your time. At this point, I'm so frustrated.
UPDATE: A Handshake moderator asked for my email to follow up, and I also reached out to the leader of one of my Handshake projects, who helped me out as well. I have access again now; fortunately, I didn't have to go to their local offices.