How to perfect your professional handshake

No matter which culture or country two people are from, the handshake is an international professional sign of politeness. But, there’s a lot to be said about a proper handshake.

I’m sure we can agree, there is nothing quite as bad as being on the receiving end of a limp handshake. Not only is it a bit…ick….it’s a massive judgement of character. Getting the handshake wrong can be one of the biggest mistakes people make during interviews or when networking with prospective clients.

Here are our four steps to a winning handshake and first impression. Yes, ladies, these apply to you too.  

1) Make eye contact

Before anything else, lock in eye contact. If you’re sitting down, stand up. As you stand, discretely wipe your hand on your pants to ensure it’s dry and not going to leave the ‘soggy bread’ feel. Use this time to smile as it will always work in your favour. Important, don’t overdo it - a little smile goes a long way.

2) Find the perfect middle ground

Whether introducing yourself or someone doing the introduction for you, be the first to extend your hand and show your confidence and appreciation for meeting them. Find a good length in between locking your elbow or creating a right angle to say ‘I’m open, but not vulnerable in case you don’t want to shake my hand’. Be prepared for germaphobes who refuse to shake hands. Generally, it’s nothing personal, but you want to make sure you’re not entirely exposed to humiliation and can quickly retract your correctly positioned, palm facing left hand.

3) Grip, don’t crush

Just as a limp handshake is memorable, so is a kung-fu grip. A handshake is not a time to flex and show ‘who’s boss’ - unless that’s the impression you’re going for. The right level of firmness is a fine art. When you give a handshake, grip as tightly as you would a baseball bat or a golf club. This displays assertiveness, confidence and experience.

4) The release

It can get a little awkward when the other person holds on a few unnecessary seconds too long. Etiquette says go with the flow, since some people prefer a longer handshake, but the usual time should be two or three pumps. You can signal this to the receiver by relaxing your hand muscles and gently pulling away.

To sum it all up, the handshake is one of the most important actions to make a winning impression. Follow these steps outlined and you'll be well on your way to prosperous business relationships!