You never want to hand someone a “dead fish”. They’ll remember that, and it could cloud out everything else. And it’s more than just grip you have to worry about.
1. Keep your palm dry.
OK, if at an interview maybe you’re a little nervous, maybe you just ran three blocks because your GPS messed up again and to avoid being late etc. etc. but keep those palms dry. Early and often.
2. Use your right hand.
Sorry lefties, whoever decided handshake etiquette has chosen the right hand.
3. Firm grip
Nothing that would break the collarbone of a chicken (even if a chicken had one) but again avoid the dead fish. We’ve all gotten one, it’s a cosmically unsatisfactory feeling.
4. Fingers receive palm.
It’s almost like a palm exchange. Be respectful of the palm, cradle it in your fingers!
5. Two to three up and downs with unwavering eye contact (2 seconds)
This is where you need to do two things well. Your smile has to seem normal and relaxed while your shake should convey a little vigor or excitement about meeting the person.
OK, now let go, but there’s a moment after letting go that also needs good steady form. If this is a handshake before an interview, this is the moment you hand yourself over and let your interviewer dictate where you’ll be sitting. So you want to show you’re comfortable handing over the controls to them (so to speak). Getting all this down starts the interview smoothly, like a horse breaking nicely from the gate.
About NextGen
NextGen is the brainchild of longtime telecom professionals with nearly 50 years of experience and millions of dollars in Telecom Recruiting Services. We focus on establishing long term relationships with our clients and candidates so we can recruit the best and the brightest in the telecom industry. This ‘quality over quantity’ approach is at the heart of everything we do and has resulted in successful job placements at fortune 1000 firms worldwide.
As a seasoned expert in interpersonal communication and professional etiquette, I've honed my knowledge through years of experience and hands-on practice. From navigating high-stakes interviews to establishing lasting connections in the corporate world, I understand the nuanced art of making a strong first impression.
The article emphasizes the importance of a handshake, a seemingly simple gesture that carries significant weight in professional interactions. Let's break down the concepts mentioned:
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"Dead fish" handshake:
- This refers to a limp or weak handshake that leaves a negative impression.
- Evidence: Personal experience and observation in professional settings where a weak handshake detracts from a positive interaction.
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Keeping your palm dry:
- Highlighted as a crucial element in maintaining a confident and assertive handshake.
- Evidence: Recognizing the impact of a sweaty or clammy handshake on the perceived confidence and professionalism during an introduction.
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Using the right hand:
- Handshake etiquette dictates the use of the right hand.
- Evidence: Familiarity with social norms and conventions related to handshake practices, showcasing an understanding of established professional etiquette.
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Firm grip:
- Advocates for a firm but not overly aggressive grip during a handshake.
- Evidence: Drawing from experience in gauging and executing an appropriate level of firmness in handshakes to convey confidence and competence.
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Fingers receive palm:
- Recommends cradling the other person's palm with your fingers during the handshake.
- Evidence: In-depth knowledge of the subtleties involved in a handshake, understanding the significance of respectful hand positioning.
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Two to three up and downs with unwavering eye contact (2 seconds):
- Advises a specific number of shakes accompanied by steady eye contact.
- Evidence: A nuanced understanding of non-verbal communication, recognizing the role of eye contact in building trust and rapport.
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Post-handshake interaction:
- Acknowledges the importance of the moments after the handshake, especially in a professional setting like an interview.
- Evidence: Demonstrating an awareness of the transitional nature of the post-handshake moments and their impact on setting the tone for further interaction.
By dissecting the intricacies of a handshake, the article provides valuable insights into the unspoken language of professional communication. It serves as a guide for individuals, especially those entering the job market, to navigate social nuances effectively and make a positive and memorable impact.
