Limp-wristed jobseekers start out on back foot

Forget about polishing the CV, improving your handshake could help you get a grip on that dream job.

Dressing up and smiling are key tactics for jobseekers, but American research has found applicants with firm handshakes are more likely to get jobs than candidates with limp grips. A solid handshake was found to be more important than dress or physical appearance as it set the tone for the rest of the interview.

Wellington recruitment expert Louisa Utting said a quality handshake was not always noticed, but a floppy greeting always grabbed employers' attention. "You'd be surprised the number of people who have missed out on a job because of their handshake. A strong handshake can often tip the scales in their favour so, as silly as it sounds, it does make a difference."

Even if an interviewee did not have the best CV, they could still land the job by acting confidently and letting their personality shine.

The key to a good handshake was a firm grip, eye contact and a vigorous up-and-down movement.

"Put some more strength into it and keep it firm, but ... don't crush any bones."

Ms Utting recommends practising handshaking with family and friends. "Getting someone to evaluate it can really help. Some don't realise how bad they come across."

A bad handshake implied lack of confidence, she said. "If people are a little bit shy and have a wimpy handshake then employers get the impression they might not be the best person to represent the company."

But a good handshake could not overcome those with bad body odour, messy hair and displaying the effects from a night of drinking, according to Wellington etiquette expert Ana Maria Moore. "That is a big no-no, but you would be surprised with the people who fail to follow these rules."

Those going to a job interview should be nicely presented and should have done some homework about the firm, she said. "Practise at home ... and be careful with fidgeting like biting nails and playing with hair as it gives signals of insecurity."

- © Fairfax NZ News