Head-to-head · Job Tools
Handshake vs Simplify
Handshake leads on 0 checks, Simplify on 0, and 1 is even. Who comes out ahead on the 1 yes/no, price and count check where we have data for both products. The editor score weighs everything else too.
Our verdict
- Highest scoreHandshake · 8.6/10
- Free planboth
Handshake scores higher on our rubric for job tools: 8.6 against 7.9 out of 10; our editors rank them #2 and #6.
Handshake is the better fit for employers and career centers recruiting students. Simplify is the better fit for applicants seeking automated application workflows.
- Handshake fits best
Employers and career centers recruiting students
- Simplify fits best
Applicants seeking automated application workflows
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Side by side
| Feature | Handshake 8.6/10 Visit ↗ | Simplify 7.9/10 Visit ↗ |
|---|---|---|
| At a glance | ||
| Editor score | 8.6 | 7.9 |
| Ranking | #2 in Job Tools | #6 in Job Tools |
| Best for | Employers and career centers recruiting students | Applicants seeking automated application workflows |
| Pricing model | Free plan + paid | Free plan + paid |
| Starting price | — | $39.99/mo |
| Free plan | ✓ | ✓ |
| Free trial | — | — |
| Deployment | Cloud, Mobile | Cloud, Mobile, Browser extension |
| Platforms | Web, iOS, Android | Web, iOS, Chrome extension |
| Support | Email, Community, Docs | Email, Docs |
| Integrations | 9 integrations | 1 integrations |
| Built for | Small business, Mid-market, Enterprise | Solo, Small business, Mid-market |
| Features Handshake 0/7 · Simplify 0/7 | ||
| Job matching | Not checked yet | Not checked yet |
| Resume builder | Not checked yet | Not checked yet |
| Application autofill | Not checked yet | Not checked yet |
| Interview practice | Not checked yet | Not checked yet |
| Cover-letter generator | Not checked yet | Not checked yet |
| Application tracker | Not checked yet | Not checked yet |
| LinkedIn import | Not checked yet | Not checked yet |
| Our review | ||
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| Our verdict | Handshake brings employers, students, and educational institutions together around early-career hiring. Employers can post jobs, connect with schools, message student candidates, manage applications, promote career events, and build an… Read the review → |
Simplify is an AI-powered job-search platform for candidates who want one workflow from discovery through follow-up. It matches and ranks openings against a profile and preferences, provides a searchable job board, tailors resumes,… Read the review → |
Strengths and trade-offs
Handshake — where it wins
- Free Basic plan includes job posts and 10 messages per month
- Pro adds 200 monthly outreach messages and applicant tools
- Supports campus events, school connections, and ATS synchronization
Where it doesn't
- Pro starts at $450 per month
- Basic limits employers to 10 messages per month
- Promoted jobs are an add-on on Basic and Pro
Simplify — where it wins
- Free plan covers matching, tailoring, cover letters, autofill, and tracking
- Autopilot can submit supported applications automatically
- Web, iOS, and Chrome extension access with Gmail integration
Where it doesn't
- Paid automation starts at $19.99 per week
- Autopilot provides 20 credits per week
- Automation applies to supported applications rather than every listing
- Handshake8.6/10 · Free plan
A campus-focused recruiting platform with free job posts and paid outreach and workflow tools.
Visit HandshakeFull verdict → - Simplify7.9/10 · Free plan
Broad AI job-search workflow with free matching and paid automated applications.
Visit SimplifyFull verdict →
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Reviewed by iTechGuides Editors · Editorial team · Updated Oct 2026
Last updated · How we research and update