The Greeting

Giving a "dead fish" handshake will not advance one's candidacy: neither will

opposite extreme, the iron-man bone crusher grip.

The ideal handshake starts before the meeting actually occurs. Creating the right

impression with the handshake is a three-step process. Be sure that:

1. Your hands are clean and adequately manicured.

2. Your hands are warm and reasonably free of perspiration. (There are a

number of ways to ensure this, including washing hands in warm water at

the interview site, holding one's hand close to the cheek for a few seconds,

and even applying a little talcum powder.)

3. The handshake itself is executed professionally and politely, with a firm grip

and a warm smile.

Remember that if you initiate the handshake, you may send the message that you

have a desire to dominate the interview; this is not a good impression to leave with

one's potential boss. Better to wait a moment and allow the interviewer to initiate

the shake. (If for any reason you find yourself initiating the handshake, do not pull

back; if you do, you will appear indecisive. Instead, make the best of it, smile

confidently, and make good eye contact.)

Use only one hand; always shake vertically. Do not extend your hand parallel to the

floor, with the palm up, as this conveys submissiveness. By the same token, you may

be seen as being too aggressive if you extend your flat hand outward with the palm

facing down.