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First Impressions: The Magic of a Good Handshake

  • Writer: Vibrancy Solutions
    Vibrancy Solutions
  • Apr 8, 2020
  • 2 min read

Are handshakes still relevant!?


With the world of virtual interviews taking over post Covid_19 the initial handshake with your employer may be a lot further down the line than the interview.


What to think about when it comes to handshakes? For an interviewer it is not only our technical competencies that matter but also our interpersonal skills.

Even where you aren't dealing with people as part of this prospective role your interpersonal skills give your employer an idea of how you would integrate with the team and company's culture.  


Whether consciously or subconsciously interviewers assess how we present ourselves including our handshake. There are always unconscious messages being read when exchanging handshakes such as, is this person passive? A pushover? Assertive?

What are we dealing with:


1) The Limp Handshake typically known as the "Wet Fish" which typically reads as lack of interest...


2) Bone Crusher Handshake - does what it says on the tin. Unnecessary and either the person intentioanlly wanted to exert intimidation tactics or they simply didn't think about their own stregth which could read as disregard. Not to be confused with strength.


3) Alpha Handshake is a handshake where one person has their hand on top and the other on the bottom. Although the picture looks like a bone crusher it is not because of the hand positioning. It typically means the person with hand on top is looking to exert dominance.  It does not mean friendly.

4) Ultimate Handshake is the handshake where there is equal power and shows a level of genuine interest. It typically means we can get along.


Which of these handshakes are you? 


Recommended Books on Body Language

  • You Say More Than You Think | https://amzn.to/2LCBFze

  • What Every Body Is Saying: An Ex-FBI Agent's Guide to Speed-Reading People | https://amzn.to/32Tt1Cu

Recommended Podcasts on Body Language


 
 
 

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