Photo of a review of Jumpstart as a job search tool

A review of Jumpstart as a job search tool – 2023 update

Check out our review of Jumpstart, so you can find out more about the platform.

Updated in 2023

What does Jumpstart do?

Jumpstart is a recruiting platform that connects students with open positions. Mainly these roles are internships and entry level at companies that are part of their marketplace. Users create a profile with their past experiences and information. Then, they can connect with companies and recruiters hiring for positions that match their interests. The platform also has a traditional job board, so people can review open roles. Finally, they also partner with companies to put on events for candidates.

Photo of Jumpstart

Who is Jumpstart for?

Technically, anyone can join Jumpstart. However, college and bootcamp students and new grads are the most likely to find success with the platform.

What does Jumpstart cost? How much work is involved?

Jumpstart is free for candidates. Companies pay for access to the candidates profiles and for advertising their openings on the job board. 

In terms of setup, it is similar to LinkedIn and other job boards. Users set up their profiles with their resume, portfolio, and past experiences. Then, they begin applying to jobs, attending events, and chatting with peers and recruiters in the communities section.

Ratings and reviews

There are not many recent reviews of Jumpstart from the candidate’s perspective. Recruiters made positive comments about the ease of use and diverse candidates on the platform. The only user review we could find is positive, though. The person likes the design of the platform, especially the “one-click apply” option.

From some earlier reviews, candidates explained that they received messages from recruiters at companies like Coinbase and Cruise. But, often they were informational to let them know that there would be an event on campus. Some students reported that they received interview requests and made it to the offer stage from introductions made on the platform, though.

Alternatives to Jumpstart

  • Handshake is one of the most well known alternatives. The platform also focuses on helping college students with their job search. However, university career services employs Handshake for their students.
  • WayUp is similar, as well. On WayUp, the student profile includes hobbies, to create a more well-rounded view of the candidate. Both are free.
  • There is also Huttle Jobs. This is a daily list of entry-level new jobs and internships for college students and recent graduates. 

How does Jumpstart compare to Pathrise?

Jumpstart connects college students and recent grads with internships & entry level positions. The goal is to make it easier for them to see what openings are out there. While they have a community forum for their users, they are mainly a job board that gives candidates options to choose from

In comparison, Pathrise is a full service organization. We work with candidates in all aspects of the job search to enhance their soft skills and develop strategies that can help them in the future. We represent the candidates. This means that we can help connect them with any and all companies, not just ones in a specific marketplace.

Pathrise also gives personalized 1-on-1 guidance and support to our fellows. We help them with technical and behavioral interview prep, cold emails, negotiation, and more. Our focus is currently on positions in software engineering, data science, product design, marketing, sales, product management, strategy, and ops.

There is an opportunity for people to use Pathrise & Jumpstart in conjunction. Part of our curriculum teaches our fellows how to optimize job boards, like Jumpstart. In addition, fellows learn how to successfully work with potential employers from their first interaction through negotiation and accepting an offer.

Pathrise is a career accelerator that works with students and professionals 1-on-1 so they can land their dream job in tech. With our tips and guidance, fellows see their application responses triple and their interview scores double.

If you want to work with a mentor to get help with any aspect of the job search, become a Pathrise fellow. 

Apply today.

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Alex MacPherson

Hi I'm Alex! Since graduating from UC Berkeley in 2019, I have worked on the growth team for Pathrise helping job seekers hone their skills to land their dream role through curated content on interview prep, resume building and more.

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