FOR JOB SEEKERS: 7 TIPS TO IMPROVE YOUR HANDSHAKE
“Interviewers clearly want people who have the right skills and credentials. However, in this market, lots of folks have both. So how do you differentiate yourself?” asks Cynthia Burnham, America’s top charisma coach, and author of ‘The Charisma Edge.’ “Your positive, confident, personal presence – your charisma – can be the deciding factor that gets you the job you want. And some of that charisma is carried in your handshake.
Do You Have A Great Handshake? How Do You Know?
Burnham says that for job seekers, your handshake merits a separate focus all its own. Most people have no sense of their own handshake, or how critical it is. Scientific studies have shown the importance of handshakes in making a positive first impression. The University of Iowa conducted a study related to job applicants that found, “Quality of handshake was related to interviewer hiring recommendations...even after controlling for differences in candidate physical appearance and dress.” Burnham shares seven tips for an appropriately powerful handshake:
Copyright Cynthia Burnham 2007 All rights reserved.