Smile and accompany the handshake with a casual conversation. This approach will make a positive impression before and after the interview.
Handshakes are the most common method of greeting one another. The way you shake hands speaks a lot about your personality and character. So, you should be more careful that yours sends the right message. Handshakes are not as straightforward as they seem and you would do well to avoid the following five types:
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The sweaty clasp: Having sweaty hands is not common and it is something that's hard to avoid. Maybe you are nervous about meeting someone and so your body reacts by sweating. Unfortunately, no one wants to shake hands with a person with sweaty palms. If this is something you experience, cleverly wipe your palms on your clothes before you take the other person’s handshake. Frequent washing of hands or using baby powder could help you deal with the extra moisture. A sweaty palm tells the other person you are nervous which is not a good first impression.
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The limp hold. The most effective handshakes are firm because they tell the other person you are serious and are not there to waste time. A limp handshake does not show this. Instead, it tells the other person you are either angry, guilty or tired. The main impression created is that you are weak and lack commitment. So every time you go for a handshake, grip the person’s hand when shaking it, and do not only place your hand in their hand.
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The tight grasp. You do not however want to crush the person’s palm because this is too much and goes too far. A handshake that is too firm can be taken to mean you are either dishonest or a bully. The other person will think you are either too aggressive or difficult to work with. Try and find the right balance between being too soft and too firm to create the best impression.
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The unwilling release. A good handshake is not only about the pressure you place on it. Time is also critical. When you shake someone’s hand for too long, the other person could start to feel uncomfortable and the situation can quickly become awkward. Either way, it does not send a positive business message.
So what is the best way to give a handshake? A perfect one is done with soft, dry palms, a firm grip and the hand coming in from the side. Do three handshakes and keep eye contact. Also smile and accompany the handshake with a conversation that goes with the situation. Use this approach and you will surely make a positive impression before and after the interview.
