A handshake is a short ritual in which two people grasp one of each
other's like hands, in most cases accompanied by a brief up and down movement
of the grasped hands.
The handshake is part of the first impression that you make. A poor handshake speaks volumes about your confidence level and personality. Avoid these first impression-killing handshakes:
- The Limp Hand (“dead fish”): Gives the impression of weakness or disinterest.
- The Fingertip Shake: Shows lack of an ability to engage.
- The Arm Pump: Suggests insincerity and phoniness, like an overly aggressive salesman.
- The Squeeze-Till-It-Hurts: Comes across as overly competitive and domineering. Plus, it hurts.
When you meet the interviewer, you will have the opportunity to shake hands. Your handshake should be firm, quick and confident, but not overpowering. The motion of the shake is up-and-down NOT back-and-forth. A handshake should only last between 1-3 seconds. Allow the other person to release hands first.
The optimal business handshake strikes a balance between a forceful grip and a limp noodle. The extended hand should fully engage with the other person's hand for the most impact. Weak handshakes that only grip fingertips may make a negative impression on a new business contact, co-worker or customer. Likewise, a vice-grip-style handshake presents an overly aggressive stance. How you shake hands provides subtle nonverbal cues about your personality, business style and negotiating techniques.
First Impression
You never get a second chance at a first impression in business. A strong handshake sets the tone and the perception of your abilities. Impart a strong first impression on customers, business prospects, hiring managers or new employees by offering your hand and looking them in the eye when offering a greeting or introducing yourself. This type of introduction bolsters your image and sets a solid foundation for a new job or business relationship.
Trust
A firm, strong handshake transmits your underlying confidence in yourself and your abilities. When individuals feel your confidence, it helps instill trust in your words and work abilities. Working from a foundation of trust is important to advance sales opportunities, gain employment, attract competent employees and obtain business partners.
Negotiations
You can take the upper hand at negotiations by confirming your strength through your handshake. A strong grip and a penetrating eye gaze set the tone for hard-line negotiations. You also signal your willingness to compromise or reach a mutually beneficial agreement through a strong yet warm handshake. Setting the negotiating tone with your first interactions help you obtain the best deal for yourself, your client or your business with your first interactions.
Connection
Literally, a handshake offers a personal connection with another person. Even in impersonal situations, a strong handshake helps convey your personality and intentions to another person. For example, you can express empathy by shaking hands and placing your opposite hand on a shoulder or on the opposite side of an extended hand. These little touches allow you to show your empathy in a dignified and professional manner. Showing empathy may be needed with professional contacts going through a difficult personal situation
Self-Promotion
A strong handshake may help you land a job, gain a promotion or score a lucrative client. The right touch allows you to indicate your self-motivation, desire to achieve and assertiveness. These assets translate well to most workplaces. Subtly presenting your assets through nonverbal cues helps support claims on your resume, your business accomplishments and conversations.
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