How to impress potential employers with your handshake

Screw up the handshake and you’ve made a bad first impression. Here are some dos and don’ts to help you get it right.

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Here are examples of typical bad handshakes and ways to ensure yours doesn’t sabotage your hiring chances:

1. Clammy hand. You might be nervous; that’s OK. When you arrive (a bit early—never be late), politely ask the receptionist or security guard to use the restroom before the interview. Wash your hands with ice cold water. No sweaty palms for you.

2. The limp fish. Don’t ever—ever—give the limp handshake. Men, it is insulting to a woman to extend just your fingers. I promise you won’t hurt your female interviewer with those strong manly fingers.

3. The gentle lady. You are not a princess, at least not in the workplace. You are a candidate for the job. Shake hands like an adult—not someone expecting the interviewer to kiss your hand.

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