Whether you are a student, an intern or a professional, your handshake leaves a powerful impression. A handshake says confident, credible and character all at the same time. When you’re a job candidate, a strong handshake is not something you do to be cordial, it’s expected!

Yes, there IS a correct way to shake hands. Let me explain. A handshake communicates on three levels. There needs to be a sense of firm confidence that says:

1. “I know who I am.”
2. “I know why I’m here.”
3. “I’m the one for the job.” – (I would say this one’s really important.)

Is it the same for women? You betcha. There should be no differentiation between the sexes on this one.

In my previous blog post I wrote about what attracts employers to a potential job candidate. Yes, your handshake did make the list. Why? Because it’s your first interaction with the employer after your resume. They’ve read your credentials, now they want to meet the person behind them.

The protocol is this: when someone introduces you, you ALWAYS:

1. Offer your hand first (I’m receptive and warm.)
2. Stand up. (I’m respectful.)
3. Smile. (I’m friendly.)
4. Look the person in the eye. (I’m confident.)
5. Repeat their name. (This will ensure that you can remember it later.)

This leaves a wonderful impression because it says to the employer that you understand protocol. Although in parts of our culture today a head-nod is fine as an acknowledgement, a firm handshake is always the professional way to go.

Here are the ingredients of the actual handshake. This is where you make sure they don’t leave the encounter with the word ‘ICK’ on their minds!

1. Keep your hand open to make sure your handshake will be a HAND shake not a wrist, finger or palm shake.
2. Grasp the other person’s hand firmly. In order to accomplish this the ‘crooks’ of your thumbs should come together. Don’t simply grasp the fingers or the knuckles – this is a sure looser.
3. Make your grip firm – not wimpy – and adjust it to the firmness of the other person’s grip. Adjusting to their firmness ensures you don’t crush their hand and vice-versa.

Learn to give a great, confident handshake. You should shake hands the same way whether you’re a man or a woman – and whether you’re shaking hands with a man or a woman. (Making ‘crush-prevention’ pressure adjustments, of course!) Practice it and make it your habit when meeting anyone whether it be your instructor, a visitor, a guest – and even your friends and classmates.

With that said, let’s look at a few things you can do during the ‘handshake moment’ to turn people off!

1. Not making eye contact – Not looking your interviewer in the eye says: “You’re not important enough to look at,” “I lack self-confidence,” or just as bad, “I’m not being honest with you.”
2. Handing them the ‘limp fish’ – That limp wrist and weak grip says you don’t feel you have authority or confidence. Authority and confidence should show in your handshake, your walk and your talk.
3. Giving them the ‘bionic crush’ – Please be careful not to squeeze too tightly – not to be sexists here, but especially with women. When you crush the other person’s hand it says you’re trying to impress them with your strength. Unless you’re interviewing for a job in mixed martial arts or with an arm wrestling team, this will probably backfire on you.
4. Shaking hands with your fingers – This says “too feminine.” Sorry, but a feminine hand shake has no place in the workplace! I did not make this rule so please don’t shoot the messenger. Just make sure you keep your hand open until the crooks of your thumbs meet ensuring a snug fit.
5. Looking angry – No matter what the traffic was like, a smile should be a part of your handshake. The interviewer won’t know or care what you’re angry look is about. They’ll probably just be thinking… “Do I want to work with this person every day?”

Think of your handshake as an extension of your resume. Show your positive attributes up front, so that they will remember you later. Happy Job Hunting.

The Employment Lady

About Marja Lee Freeman  (18 Posts)

Marja Lee Freeman (aka ‘The Employment Lady’) speaks with authority on the job search process and its pitfalls. She is an expert on employment issues: job search strategies, discovering the right job for you, employment trends, workplace conflict, and dealing with day-to-day employment dilemmas they don’t teach at school.

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