Does the handshake really matter?

Remember when you last got a limp handshake or a bone-crusher? What was your immediate impression of the person? Exactly!

The handshake is a very important physical greeting when meeting someone, whether for the first time or as part of your regular contact with them. Knowing when to shake hands and how to shake hands confidently is vital to forming a good first impression. The can be hardest for young women, so the answer is to practise with friends and family until you're comfortable.

When
You should shake hands when you initially meet someone, for example when you walk into the interview room and greet your interviewer. A hand shake at the end of the meeting or interview is also good practice.

What if my interviewer doesn't me offer their hand? My advice is to wait to catch their eye and then offer your hand, before sitting down - sometimes, in showing you into the room and to a seat, they can forget the hand shake themselves.

How
A firm handshake, and with eye contact at the same time, communicates self-confidence:

1. Extend your hand and grip the other person's hand so that the web of your thumbs meet.
   
2. Shake just a couple of times. The motion is from the elbow, not the shoulder.
   
3. End the handshake cleanly, before the introduction is over.

If you want to count, a good handshake is held for three or four seconds.

One other thing... avoid a "clammy hand". It says to the other person "I am nervous", which undermines the good impression you want to give (even if you are nervous!).

If you have a tendency for have cold hands, stick your right hand in your pocket to warm it up as you approach a situation in which you'll have to shake hands. And, if you can feel that you're nervous, take a quick swipe of your right hand on your skirt or trousers, so that when you present it, it's dry. You can do so quickly and gracefully, and no one will be aware that you made the gesture.

And a final tip - if you are prone to sweaty palms, try rubbing antiperspirant (unscented!) on your hand before going to that important interview or meeting.

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The Sixth Form College interview

You've got past the first two minutes and are now seated. Relax your shoulders, smile and hold eye contact throughout. Speak clearly. Once you've answered a question, stop speaking and wait for the interviewer. Don't try to fill the silence by adding more (unless you missed something out in your answer). At the end, thank your interviewer for their time and shake their hand, if offered (firmly, not limply!).

While you can't anticipate every question that you might be asked, here are some that you should prepare for:

Why have you decided to apply for XYZ College?

Ideas: reputation, facilities, you were impressed at the Open Evening

What are you hoping to gain from the course?

Ideas: building on an existing interest/skill, hope to pursue further at university

What can you offer the College?

Ideas: enthusiasm, join band/choir/orchestra, representation in sports

Where do you see yourself in 2/4/7/10 years?

If you know, fine. But it's also okay not to know what you want to be in ten years time - "I'm not sure at the moment. I'm interested in a number of things including science and music. I want to get three good A levels in Biology, Music and Psychology that keep my options open while I decide my next step after college."

What do you think is you best characteristic/talent/skill/achievement?

Ideas: trustworthy/kind/considerate, good footballer, school prefect. This question can also be asked as "what are your strengths and weaknesses?" in which case give two or three strengths followed by one weakness. If you state a weakness, also describe how you are improving in that area e.g. "My time management has been poor while doing coursework. I now plan what I need to do at the start of an assignment and write myself a to-do list which I then follow."

Do you have any questions for me?

Ideas: which universities do you have links with? if I find I'm not getting on with any of my chosen subjects, can I transfer in the first term? if you make me an offer, what should I do if I just miss the grades in that offer?

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