Job Search Tip of the Week #85: Handshake Etiquette

Good Morning

I hope your week is off to a great start, so far so good on this side.  I am sure by now you have seen the post game handshake between Jim Harbaugh and Jim Schwartz after the Detroit/San Francisco game yesterday.  What a handshake!  This is a perfect opportunity to talk about handshake etiquette.

Tip of the Week: Handshake Etiquette

Experts always say that you should have a firm handshake when meeting someone new or when interviewing.  Well guess what? This Expert is saying that you shouldn’t.  Think about it, when was the last time that you had your hand crushed by someone when they shook it?  Did it feel good?  Did you want to continue talking to that person?  Were you more receptive to what they were saying?  Did you want to hire them?  No you didn’t.

When meeting someone you want to mirror their handshake.  What does that mean?  You want to give them what they give you.  So if that person has a firm handshake, give them a firm handshake back.  If they have a weak handshake, then give them a weak one back.

The firmness of your handshake doesn’t speak to your hire-ability.  Your expertise on a particular subject or your ability to do a great job if hired is what counts.

So listen to this Expert and stop crushing people’s hands!  Be mindful of your handshake partner and mirror what they give you…that goes for you too Coaches Harbaugh and Schwartz.

Have a great day and an even better week!
Kwame Dow

For more information on how Articulate U, can assist you in achieving your career goals email us at info@articulate-u.com or give us a call at 323-540-4220