Have you prepared a checklist of all you need to ace that first interview? In depth knowledge of your subject and looking smart, may be your answer. But there is one important thing that will take place soon after you enter the interview room, which if you fail to polish, may have negative consequences on all the effort you put in to present yourself as an ideal candidate.
It is a small custom that usually takes place before you can show off an iota of your knowledge or before the interviewer has taken in your smart dress sense. I am talking about a very ordinary yet important ritual in all professional arenas — the handshake.
You must have shaken hands with friends over the years or seen your parents greet friends, colleagues and relatives with the simple gesture of a handshake. Now hear this, research has concluded that a well-delivered handshake might be the key to landing your dream job. Again, the knowledge of the subject, a warm smile and smart appearance have their own place but a handshake, as mentioned before, comes before you get the time to display all these.
Today it has gained more importance than just being a sign of peace, which it was important for in medieval times. Handshakes are done on meeting, parting, offering congratulations and many other occasions.
You might wonder why someone would judge you on the basis of your handshake.
The answer to that lies in the fact that a handshake is as unique to a person as are the lines on his/ her palm. Many things like how to greet the interviewer, answers to certain questions, how to dress for an interview, are often taught similarly to everyone and so the interviewer is looking for something that can be a distinguishing feature in a person who walks in for an interview.
Hence the importance associated with the handshake. You can also look at a handshake as the first non verbal clue that you offer about your personality to someone you have just met.
Now that we have established the importance of a good handshake, let us see what can be done to achieve and perfect one. Here are some simple steps for you to follow to improve your first impression via the handshake:
■ A firm handshake is considered a good handshake. It leaves the impression that you are a sincere and confident professional. Introduce yourself by extending your hand and say something pleasant like, ‘Good Morning, I am Aanandika Sood and I am glad to meet you.’
■ A good handshake lasts roughly about three-four seconds. Keep it short and crisp. Make sure that it does not go beyond a couple of pumps.
■ Be careful about the pressure you apply while shaking hands. You don’t want to break someone’s bones neither do you want to give your hand to them for keeping hence the pressure should just be right. A forceful or a limp handshake are equally useless
and it would take some practice with a friend to know the right amount of pressure that you need to apply while taking someone’s hand in yours.
■ Do not grab the other person’s hand with both your hands. It is considered a show of artificial affection and is called the politician’s handshake, need I say more?
Make sure your hands are clean, nails are cut properly, your smile is in place and you smell nice before you extend that hand.
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