Do Firm Handshakes Land More Jobs?

A recent article, “Firm Handshakes Help Land Jobs” cites a new study that confirms what intuitively makes sense: a firm handshake is a critical part of making a positive first impression. It also ultimately affects winning a job during your interview.

According to the study leader, Greg Stewart, a handshake sets the tone for the rest of the interview, given that it comes at the beginning. Stewart adds that “handshakes provide a glimpse of the real you.” They may be indicative of overall personality distinctions. A handshake doesn’t necessarily fall into the job preparation areas that you usually plan for, such as how to talk and dress, however.

According to Stewart, there may be a connection between strong handshakes and a person’s ease with small talk, eye contact and other social skills. A handshake, according to Stewart, is one of the first nonverbal cues that we give about our overall personality, and it’s what people remember about us.

Stewart advises that a good handshake entails a firm, complete grip, good eye contact, and moving your hand up and down vigorously.

Women, as a whole, may be at a disadvantage in the handshake department because their grips tend not to be as strong. Stewart says that when a woman has a firm handshake, however, it is often more memorable than an equally strong handshake from a man.

Speaking of first impressions at the interview, you might want to check out another study done by Robert Half and Associates that only confirms what your momma probably told you: “First impressions are most important.” This is especially true when it comes to job interviews. You may have only 10 minutes to make the cut in the eye of your interviewer and a good strong handshake could help you with that first impression.