How to Interview Well: Shaking Hands and Nonverbal Communication
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Working for a staffing company, I see many people and shake numerous hands. I remember handshakes, unfortunately, for all the wrong reasons. From my experience, I have noticed 7 types of handshakes that are memorable: the limp-noodle, the hand breaker, the shooter, the queen, the jackhammer, the fist bump and the hijacker.
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- The Limp-Noodle handshake. In my office, this is our least favorite handshake. The limp-noodle is when you take someone's hand and it feels lifeless, non-engaged. Honestly, the sensation I get from shaking a lifeless hand sends shivers down my spine. When shaking someone's hand, your grip should be firm and in control. With that being said, it could be too firm which would lead to our next handshake.
- The Hand-Breaker handshake is more commonly found among men but women are guilty of this as well. This handshake is painful because the other person is gripping your hand far too tight. Shaking someone's hand too hard sends the message 'I don't know how to control myself'. If you think that you may fall into this category, practice shaking hands with people to ask for their feedback so that way you can dial back if need be.
- The Shooter handshake is probably the least offensive of all poor handshakes but is considered an aggressive handshake. The handshake looks like a normal handshake should except for the other persons pointer finger is extended and aiming at you. Whether consciously or unconsciously, it demonstrates a desire to dominate or control the other person. Tuck that finger in!
- The Queen handshake is rather comical because I never see it coming. Think of period film when a woman gives her hand to be kissed, this is the Queen handshake. We do not live in 1840 European aristocracy but a professional environment in the 21st century. As such, we should behave like a professional.
- The Jackhammer Handshake can be an unpleasant handshake for the other party involved. Do not be over zealous by vigorously shaking the other person's hand 30 times. 2-3 pumps are sufficient for a good handshake. Again, like the hand-breaker handshake, it demonstates a lack of self control.
- The Fist Bump is a very informal handshake shared between close friends and is not appropriate for interview. In an interview setting, this interviewer is not your friend, he/she are your potential employer, treat them as such. Remedy, shake his/her hand.
- The Hijacker handshake has left an impression on me that I can never forget. The worst offender was a man that I had a meeting with. When I was leaving, I stuck out my hand for a hand shake, being polite. He took my hand and did not let it go. This man held my hand for a minute and engaged himself in a conversation with another person. For the entire minute he had my hand, all I could think about was him letting go my hand. Holding a handshake for too long is an invasion of personal space and makes the other person feel very uncomfortable. 3-4 seconds is sufficient amount of time for a handshake.
In a job interview, it is about demonstrating confidence. Connect to the interviewer with a good firm handshake.
Now, if you know that you have done one of these forementioned faux-pas in an interview, don't worry. Make a comment about it to ease the other person's tension. For example, you know you gripped the other person's hand too firmly, say something along the lines of, "Sorry, I have a bear grip." Or if you had the misfortune to be born with clamy/sweaty hands, acknowledge it. By doing this, it allows the interviewer to move past the misstep.
These tidbits of information do not only make for great tips on how to interview well, they help you succeed in life. Using these tips leave a strong impression with the interviewer or any person you meet on the street. Making good eye contact, standing up straight, and giving a firm handshake allows you to convey the message of self-confidence.
Next time you are in an interview, remember to be confident in what you are selling, YOURSELF.
If you have a story about a memorable handshake, share them with us in the comment box.
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