7. Shake on it
A firm handshake makes a strong first impression. Reach out vertically and meet the other person in the middle. “Don’t attempt to dominate nor be submissive in your hand positioning,” says Mark Anderson, director of training and development at Anderson Investigative Associates. “Move straight forward and with some measure of firmness. This is not the time for dead fish hands, and if your hand is sweaty, wipe it off.” You’ll also want to avoid the dreaded “alligator arm,” says Anderson. That’s when you reach out your hand but keep your arm attached to the body at the elbow.
