Back in the day, it was simple: you went to an interview, you shook hands. Easy. But since the COVID-19 pandemic, things have changed. Some people still shake hands, others don’t. It’s up to you to decide what feels right.
Option 1: You do want to shake hands
When you walk in, make eye contact with the interviewer. Are they reaching out for a handshake? Great — go for it with a confident, firm grip. A good handshake shows professionalism and respect.
If they don’t reach out first, you can decide whether you want to take the initiative. If not, that’s okay too — just smile, nod, and introduce yourself clearly. A confident posture, eye contact and a friendly “hello” already go a long way in making a strong first impression.
Option 2: You don’t want to shake hands
You’re not required to shake hands. If you’d rather not, that’s perfectly okay — just briefly explain why. Maybe you’ve been a little sick, maybe it’s part of your religious beliefs, or maybe you just prefer not to touch people. All of that is valid.
Whatever your reason, just stay friendly and polite when you decline the handshake.
Other tips for a great first impression
Your looks: Make sure you look well-groomed. That basically means: wash yourself and wear clean clothes. You don’t have to wear a suit or a dress if that’s not your style. Just make sure your outfit fits the company culture. For example, if you’re applying at a clothing store, you’ll want to look stylish and put-together. Sweatpants definitely won’t do the trick there. But if you’re applying for a more active job, like at a gym, a more casual outfit is totally fine. The key is to match your outfit to the type of company and its dress code.
Eye contact is key: Making good eye contact shows that you’re engaged and confident, but don’t forget to smile too!
Be prepared, but stay spontaneous: Know the basics about the company and be ready for some common questions, but stay flexible and, most importantly, be yourself.
Being on time is essential: Plan to arrive at least 10 minutes early. Being late is a no-go, but showing up too early can also be a bit awkward. Ten minutes early is the sweet spot.
Ask smart questions: Prepare a few questions to ask at the end of the interview. It shows you’re genuinely interested and that you’ve done your homework.
And finally: Stay chill
Remember, a job interview is not just a chance to present yourself, it’s also your opportunity to see if the company is a good fit for you. Stay relaxed, be yourself, and use these tips to make a great first impression. Good luck!