Make a Good Impession with Your Handshake

To start an interview off on the right foot...you will need to do it with your hands. That's right, one of the first impressions you'll make with your interviewer will be with your handshake.

HR professionals and recruiters are trained to read body language during interviews, so an improper or poor handshake can leave a negative impression.

Proper Hand Shake

Extend your right hand. Both parties' hands should grasp when the webs of each person's hand touches. Then, firmly shake a few times. The shake should last 2-4 seconds.

When to Shake Hands

It is recommended to shake hands with the person you will be interviewing with when you first meet and exchange introductions. In addition, a handshake should be used at the conclusion of the interview when you are saying goodbye.

You should also initiate a handshake when you are being formally introduced to anyone within the company during your interview.

It is customary in business for both genders to shake hands. If you are either a woman or meet a woman, a proper greeting or goodbye should include a handshake.

Don'ts

1) The Death Grip Do not overpower the other person, even if they squeeze significantly harder than you. An overly firm handshake can subconsciously leave the impression that you're too stern or power hungry.

2) The Wet Handshake Your hands naturally sweat when you are nervous so this may be hard to control. Wiping your hands prior to shaking should help. Other tips are: wash your hands before interviewing and keep your hands an open position prior to your meeting.

3) The Dead Fish Nothing displays a lack of confidence or weakness more than a weak or limp handshake. Apply some pressure in your grip. Do not overpower but be firm.

4) The Four Fingered Handshake This occurs when the handshake stops half the way – the hands never join at the web of the thumbs and the resulting shake becomes more of a pinch.

5) The Awkward Handshake This happens to the best of us. You are caught off guard or have something in your right hand when someone initiates a handshake. Do not attempt to shake hands with your opposite hand or with something in it. If this happens, apologize and ask to try it again. I would rather screw up a handshake and fix it than do a poor handshake and leave someone with a bad impression.

6) Secret or Pop Culture Handshakes Do not do anything but grasp hands and shake. Avoid anything beyond that. Leave the finger snapping, clapping and other finger gestures to the movie stars and professional athletes.

7) Extra Touching Avoid using your other hand to grab the other person's shoulder, hand, elbow etc. Leave your left hand along your side.

8) The Left Handed Shake If you are left handed, always extend your right hand. If the other person extends his or her left hand, shake with your left. Try to avoid grasping with your right hand, as this will feel more like a hand holding.

Do's

1) Be Welcoming Keep eye contact during the shake, smile and speak slowly.

2) Keep Proper Distance. Obviously, you need to be within arm's reach of the opposite person, but don't invade the other's personal space.

3) Be Prepared In preparation for a handshake, carry your briefcase, notepad or purse in your left hand.

A proper handshake conveys confidence and professionalism and is the perfect way to start an interview.