Is a handshake really such an important element of making a good impression in a job interview?

Answer 1

Yes it is important. Look them straight in the eye,and don't let go until you feel them letting go .
Make sure it is a firm handshake also.

Answer 2

I once read that the person giving the interview is often just as scared and unfamiliar with the interview as you are. I found this out when I had to hire someone. This is likely not the case in large companies where someone in HR hires people regularly, but the McDonald's manager or at small company it likely is. I like firm handshakes, but that probably would not make a lot of difference. Match the handshake pressure of the other person.

Answer 3

I think a handshake says a lot about confidence in a person. Many people that helped mentor me along the way placed a lot of emphasis on handshakes and proper greetings, however, I don't know if this is such a big deal today.

Answer 4

*VERY* important! The whole initial greeting can make or sink your employment chances! It's about 75% of the interview is the first 30 seconds! One of my best friends explained this to me and it's because that's how we met! He interviewed me for a job once and although I didn't get the position (it got canceled) but we became very close friends afterwards.

I had just started at a new job in tech support and recognized his name and the company when they called. That's when he told me I didn't get the position at his company because they decided to cancel it in the end. But he said he decided to hire me after the interviews. He mentioned that I basically won him over with my greeting. He said as soon as I came in, smiled, said hello, shook hands, sat down and got comfortable, *BINGO* he knew I was the person he wanted. Point blank, the personal connection was there. He then explained that the person after me had the exact opposite effect. She was a shy, oriental girl who didn't make good eye contact, a warm greeting and looked uncomfortable. Plus, her answers were short and nervous. Zero connection. It was a simple decision to choose me over her. He went to explain that it's that initial impression in the first 30 seconds that is 75% of winning or lossing the job opportunity.

The ugly truth is, the best qualified candidate with the best answers doesn't get the job. Yes, you do have to have a certain level of qualifications and must give at least adequate answers. But by the time the resumes are reviewed and telephone interviews are done, the managers has the short list of qualified candidates. The face-to-face interview is all about the rest which is the connection or likability. Which candidate makes me feel the most comfortable? Which one would I want to work with? That's what it is. The other 25% of the face-to-face interview is about not making a mistake, giving a bad answer. 75% is about that initial impression in the first 30 seconds.

-- Liam

Answer 5

Yes, a firm handshake can make a great deal of difference. Not shaking hands, or shaking with a loose grip could cost you that job!

Answer 6

A handshake is always important no matter who you meet. ALWAYS have a firm handshake even with women- a woman had to teach me that. I would say it is important, it reflects confidence to me.

Answer 7

It is a very big deal. It belies confidence and respect in any situation. To many people wonder why they didn't get the job..... 9 times out of ten the decision is made before you even speak.

Answer 8

do no longer chew gum, gown properly (dark suite, white blouse & tie), study something related to the corporation (what they do, make, etc.), do no longer answer questions with in simple terms a confident or no. problematic on your solutions with the help of telling them approximately your accomplishments without giving the effect you're bragging. while asked the question "tell me approximately your self", do no longer provide a history the place you have been born, went to college, relatives history. rather tell them some pastime you probably did and how you went approximately achieving it. The interviewer needs to understand in case you're able to do the pastime, he would not choose to hearken to approximately your loved ones historic past. finally, look on the information superhighway for pastime interviewing guidance. you will study plenty extra there than what I write right here.

Answer 9

It is a very important element in a job interview. It is very customary, so you are more likely to get a job if you shake his/her hand rather than if you don't.

Answer 10

It is one of those things that while minor can make a difference.

If a person barely touches my hand, it tells me that they are not sincere. If a person bruises my hand, it tells me they are not aware of their own strength. If they grasp it firmly and shake a couple of times with a warm smile and good eye contact, it means that they are confident.