If you are on an interview and when you are called you have a cough-what do you do?

Question

Lets say you just so happen to use your RIGHT for the cough-do you offer your left hand or do no handshake at all? Is using the left hand for a handshake disrespectful?

Answer 1

prior to entering an interview, program yourself to cover your mouth or nose with your left hand. this way you won't run the risk of insulting someone who is rigid about shaking hands-especially the right one.

Answer 2

When it comes time to shake hands again fake another cough into the right hand and then apologize for being a little under the weather. The interviewer will understand why you can't shake hands and you can avoid the awkward left hand shake that always seems a little fagish. Not that there is anything wrong with that.

Answer 3

I would not shake at all and apologize for not being able to greet with a handshake due to my cough.

But next time, maybe try to cough in your elbow like they teach the kids at school, it keeps the germ count down cuz they aren't coughing in their hands and then touching things and spreading the germs.

Answer 4

If you have not yet shaken hands, then politely decline due to your current state of health. If you have and you are already being questioned say, "excuse me." The turn you head (as far away from interviewers face, preferribly towards a window), cough and continue. Under no cercumstances shoudl you shake hands on exit.

Answer 5

This is taught early for young children, when coughing cover your cough with your forearm, therefore your hands are free of germs to shake hands.

If it's too late and you coughed on your shaking hand, be honest and tell the person you're sick and apologize for not shaking their hand as a common courtesy. They will respect that gesture of honesty.

Answer 6

Use the left hand. It's much better than using the hand you just coughed into.

Answer 7

left hand for a shake? never in this world. cough? i cough. hold it in could cause harm (to me). left-handed shake is, in some circles, considered a no-no. there's always coughing into the crook of the arm, getting a drink of water, a whole lots of things to do. interview for what? job? hire me, hire my habits, style of dress, the whole package. actually, if the person is looking for perfection, then i'm not the guy/gal.

Answer 8

Good thought. Try to use your left hand to cover your mouth, but if you do use your right, politely extend your left hand and apologetically explain why you're using it. This will show your potential employer that you actually are a person who is concerned about others well-being.