Limp handshakes are for losers. Literally. A recent study from the University of Iowa put subjects through a mock job interview and showed a strong correlation between high marks on handshakes and high marks on “hire-ability.”  The subjects were rated separately by trained handshake raters who gauged their grip,  and then were evaluated by businesspeople on their overall hire-ability and performance.

The researchers defined a good handshake as one with a good grip, eye contact and an up and down shake. The researchers found that subjects with a strong handshake also showed more ease with small talk, eye contact and general social skills. “The hand shake is one of the first nonverbal cues we get about the person’s overall personality and that impression is what we remember,”” said one researcher.

Firm Handshakes Help Land Jobs