A good handshake … yes, it sounds simple. But, not
shaking an interviewer’s hand properly could jeopardize your
interview success.
A 2008 study by University of Iowa professor Greg Stewart,
confirmed that a firm, solid handshake is an important part of a
successful job interview, while a dead fish can end the interview
before it even begins.
"We've always heard that interviewers make up their mind about a
person in the first two or three minutes of an interview, no matter
how long the interview lasts," said Stewart, associate professor of
management and organizations in the University of Iowa Tippie
College of Business. "We found that the first impression begins
with a handshake that sets the tone for the rest of the
interview."
The research was conducted with 98 students in the Tippie College
of Business who participated in mock job interviews with
representatives from area businesses. The students also met at
various times during their interviews with five trained handshake
raters who subtly introduced themselves and shook hands, but
otherwise did not participate in the interviews.
The handshake raters scored students on their handshake, while the
interviewers graded students' overall performance and whether they
should be hired. The two groups' scores were then compared.
The researchers found that those students who scored high with the
handshake raters were also considered to be the most likely hired
by the interviewers, because they were seen as having more
extroverted personalities. Those whose handshakes were weak
and wimpy generally seemed to have less gregarious personalities
and were less impressive to the interviewers.
Although it’s difficult to describe a perfect handshake, WORKFORCE
CENTRAL FLORIDA offers these tips:
- Before an interview, make sure your hands look
presentable. They should be clean and well manicured. If
you get sweaty palms when you’re nervous, carry a tissue so you can
discreetly blot your hands right before the interview.
- When you meet your interviewer, present your hand first for the
handshake. This shows your initiative, assertiveness and
professionalism. If you are being interviewed by more than one
person, shake every person’s hand in the room.
- Grasp the interviewer’s hand firmly with your full
hand. Avoid the dead fish limpy approach as this will make you
appear unconfident, weak and disinterested. At the same time,
avoid squeezing so you don’t look forceful or pushy. If
you’re unsure of your handshake grip, practice with your
friends.
- Hold the grip for about two to three seconds or two or three
light pumps.
- Make eye contact, so you are genuinely forming a bond with the
other person.
- At the end of the interview, thank the interviewer by name and
then shake his or her hand again. Just like the beginning of
the interview, be the first to present your hand.
Although it may seem petty, people expect a good handshake and
you are being judged during this process. Master this simple
technique to exude confidence, assertiveness and
professionalism.
