What Your Handshake Says About You.

A handshake can be soft, firm, brief, long or even painful. The way you shake hands provides clues to your personality. Aggressive people have firm handshakes. People with low self esteem often have a limp handshake. Politicians typically shake your hand with their other hand covering the shake or holding your elbow. Domineering men often squeeze the hand of a woman during a greeting. The clever woman moves her index and little finger in toward her palm preventing a crushing handshake. This negates his dominant act and keeps her in equal control. So adopt a handshake that is firm, yet not crushing. Convey confidence and professionalism, not dominance.

An open hand, eye contact and a smile are a good way to establish a positive contact.
But……
The extended thumb and the stretched-directed palm resembles a pistol and thus conveys aggression.

Touching or invading the personal space of another can be a serious error in judgement. The man shows patronage and dominance and the woman withdraws.

The handshake no one likes: The “Dead-Fish” handshake: No one likes the soggy, lifeless, fish-like touch.

Within the first 10 seconds of the interview the interviewer has a snapshot of your personality.

First impressions count! Which one are you?