A Smile, a Handshake, and a New Job – How They’re All Connected – By Josh

When you think of a business person the image that comes to your head is probably of someone wearing a suit, or at least donning business casual apparel, with a confident demeanor and a strong handshake. Though this idealistic image may not be the typical businessperson, it does reflect one truth: confidence gets results.

Your smile and attitude are the first things that a prospective employer are going to notice about you, followed by your handshake and intelligence. Therefore, it is crucial that you make the first impression a good one.

The Psychology behind a Warm Smile

People gravitate to those that exude confidence, capability, and stability. Appearing confident shows your prospective employer that you can handle stressful situations. Make no mistake, an interview is a stressful situation for a prospective employee, and the employer knows it. Show them that you can handle it without breaking a sweat.

The reason that people are attracted to those whom are confident or capable is because people want to be associated with people who are esteemed, or whom may be esteemed. If you associate with many great people, you are more inclined to become a great person yourself as a result of their influence and association.

A warm smile reeks of this type of confidence. It shows poise and charisma, and those two traits have a common effect on everyone, including those who may hire you.

Why a Firm Handshake is Important

In North America, the handshake has become a sort of sizing up ritual. Have you ever noticed how really motivated and driven people have a strong handshake? This is because they are giving you a message when they shake your hand. When they grip your hand in a firm and confident manner, they are saying “Hi, I am good at what I do and I know it. You want to do business with me.”

Even though the words have never left their mouth, you immediately get that message. When you shake your interviewers hand, give them a brief moment of eye contact, a warm smile, and let them know that you mean business.

These non-verbal cues (a smile and a handshake) communicate just as much as a verbal message- never discredit them or undervalue their importance.

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