"Look at the donut, not the hole." ...age-old advice from one of my former coaches, reminding us to look at what we have, not what we don't


Remember, Babe Ruth may have been one of the great homerun hitters of all time, but he also struck out a lot, too. The job search is just like that, especially in this economy. Keep getting back up there and swinging for the fence!


"The majority of the word 'can't' is can." ...attributed to Betty Weaver, former CSB school director



Friday, September 14, 2012

Happy Friday: Shake Your Way to a Good Impression

Remember that even the smallest detail can help you make a good--or bad--impression when meeting someone for the first time, particularly in an interview.  Thus, a detail such as the handshake is a vital element toward creating the right first impression.  As such, here are some details to consider to ensure that your handshake is making the grade:

  • Remember that you should always be standing to shake hands.  Sitting and shaking hands is considered disrespectful or lazy.  So if you are sitting, stand up!
  • Generally a firm handshake is viewed as a sign of confidence and respect.  Be sure you give your hand to the interviewer and apply some pressure.  However, this exchange should not be an attempt to squeeze harder than the interviewer, nor is the idea to break any bones!  On the other end of the spectrum, don't give the interviewer your limp hand to skake, either.  You have to apply some pressure lest you are viewed as weak.
  • During the handshake, gently pump your hand up and down once or twice. 
  • The handshake generally lasts about 2 seconds, so don't go holding on for dear life.  The interviewer's hand is not a life preserver--or your childhood woobi blanket.
  • It is really important that you give eye contact while shaking hands.   Look the interviewer in the eye.  Again, eye contact conveys respect and confidence, two traits that all job seekers should demonstrate.
  • Remember to shake hands again at the end of the interview.  Leave a good final impression.
  • A few other tips you might consider regarding handshakes:  1)  Make sure your hands are clean.  (This should go without saying, but it still needs to be said!)  2)  Make sure your nails are clean and well maintained.  No Freddy Kreuger look-alikes are allowed!  

Friday's Leads:

Tim Barshinger
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