The perfect handshake: how-do-you-do it?

The perfect handshake

The handshake is an invaluable weapon in a job applicant’s armoury. Just Recruitment tells Sarah Patten why.

When you’re attending a job interview, first impressions are crucial. Your attire, your body language and the way you greet your interviewer all send a message about who you are. 

As insignificant as it may seem, your handshake is pivotal to the impression you make.  

As insignificant as it may seem, your handshake is pivotal to the impression you make. In fact, for many employers, it can be a decisive hiring factor. 

But what makes the perfect handshake?

Make eye contact

Before you offer your hand, be sure to look your interviewer in the eye. It demonstrates confidence and self-assuredness, it gives the impression that you’re genuinely pleased to meet them.

Though, the timing of the eye contact is crucial, don’t hold your interviewer’s gaze for more than two to three seconds, this can be unnerving and make them feel uncomfortable.

Choose aridity over humidity

A job interview can be a nerve-wracking experience. Anxiety can lead to sweaty palms… and sweaty palms are a big no-no when it comes to handshake etiquette.  

No one enjoys a slippery handshake. If your hand feels moist, give it a subtle wipe just before greeting your interviewer. Trust me, they’ll thank you for it.

The perfect handshakeChoose your angle

Offer your hand on the vertical, with the palm facing inwards. This sends a vital signal about the nature of your interaction.

A downward-facing palm demonstrates dominance, even arrogance, whereas an upward-facing palm suggests submissiveness. An inward-facing palm, on the other hand, implies equality between the hand shaker and the handshake. In an interview context, this is crucial.

Be firm

We’ve all experienced a limp handshake and – let’s face it – it’s never a pleasant experience. What’s more, it sends all the wrong signals to the unlucky recipient.

A limp handshake gives an impression of weakness and a lack of confidence. It casts doubt over the substance of the hand shaker’s character.

Much better, then, for your handshake to be firm. But even here, you need to be cautious. avoid squeezing your interviewer’s hand too hard. At best this can be uncomfortable, and at worst, downright painful. You want to leave an impression, but it’s best to draw the line at physical injury.

Don’t overdo it

A prolonged handshake can cause embarrassment on both sides and prove a distraction to the handshake. Aim for two to three shakes and try not to make them too vigorous.

A brief up-and-down movement is all that’s required: anything more will seem over the top, and may cause your interviewer to doubt your sincerity.

And remember, a handshake isn’t just about first impressions. Apply these rules when you bid your interviewer farewell, and you’ll round off your interview in perfect style. 

 

A good place to demonstrate your new handshake is interviews, do you have one coming? see: 
The Just Recruitment Guide to interview dressing

You may also like: 
Five habits of great employees

 

Published: 17 February 2025
© Copyright Just Recruitment Group Ltd 2025

Jobs currently available

CNC Punch Operator
Sector: Engineering and Manufacturing
Salary: Competitive
Location: Sudbury
Role: Full Time
Contract: Permanent
Job ref: 913677
About the role

Just Recruitment is partnering with a growing engineering business based in Sudbury to recruit a CNC Punch Operator on a full-time permanent basis.

The key purpose of this role is to be responsible for setting and operating the punch machines. Previous experience is necessary, preferably with running Trumpf CNC machines.

Key duties include:

  • Ensuring that quality is the driving force behind all aspects of the role
  • Developing and implementing best working practice for better punching productivity
  • Optimising processes to improve efficiency and quality
  • Confident in delivering to a production schedule

Role requirements include:

  • Experienced background with sheet metal CNC punching
  • Familiarity with various sheet metal materials, including steel, aluminium and stainless steel
  • Ability to read engineering drawings
  • Excellent problem-solving and troubleshooting skills
  • Ability to work collaboratively with cross-functional teams — this will extend to management
  • Strong communication and interpersonal skills
  • Ability to work in a fast-paced, dynamic environment

This is an excellent opportunity for an individual with an operating background to join an exciting and ever-growing manufacturing company, offering further training and development.

Working hours are Monday to Thursday, 6.00am to 4.30pm or 6.00am to 5.00pm.

Free parking is available on-site.

 

Just Recruitment acts as an employment agency for permanent roles.
We are an equal opportunities employer and welcome applications from all suitable candidates.

 

Read more
Plastic Vacuum Form Setter
Sector: Production and Stock Control
Salary: Competitive
Location: Sudbury
Role: Full Time
Contract: Permanent
Job ref: 913676
About the role

Just Recruitment is partnering with a growing manufacturing company in Sudbury to recruit a full-time, permanent Plastic Vacuum Form Setter/Operator.

The key purpose of this role is to be responsible for setting and operating the plastic vacuum forming machine. You need to have previous experience, preferably running machines with tools up to 1.5 metres long.

Key duties include:

  • Ensuring that quality is the driving force behind all aspects of the role
  • Developing and implementing best working practice for better punching productivity
  • Optimising processes to improve efficiency, quality, and safety
  • Confident in delivering to a production schedule

Role requirements:

  • Experienced background working with vacuum forming machines
  • Familiarity with various plastic materials and thicknesses
  • Ability to read engineering drawings
  • Excellent problem-solving and troubleshooting skills
  • Ability to work collaboratively with cross-functional teams — this will extend to management
  • Strong communication and interpersonal skills
  • Ability to work in a fast-paced, dynamic environment

This is an excellent opportunity for you if you have a setting and operating background to join an exciting and ever-growing manufacturing company, offering further training and development.

Working hours are Monday to Thursday, 6.00am to 4.30pm or 6.30pm to 5.00pm.

Free parking is available on-site.

Just Recruitment acts as an employment agency for permanent roles.
We are an equal opportunities employer and welcome applications from all suitable candidates.

 

Read more
IT Executive
Sector: Information Technology
Salary: £35,000 per annum
Location: Sudbury
Role: Full Time
Contract: Permanent
Job ref: 913675
About the role

Just Recruitment is working with a growing, global manufacturing business, based on the outskirts of Sudbury, to recruit an IT Executive to join their team.

The key purpose of this role is to support IT operations within the manufacturing site, working closely with 3rd party IT providers and the global IT team. This role will support the growth of the business as it continues to ramp up production capacity.

Duties include:

  • Identify and proactively address IT service and infrastructure risks
  • Identify and implement innovative solutions to streamline day-to-day processes and keep up-to-date with new technologies
  • Manage vendors and internal customer service to agreed standards
  • Manage the replacement cycle as well as day-to-day maintenance of the IT network and infrastructure on-site, carrying out server management, maintenance and back-ups in line with best practice methodologies
  • Oversee IT projects to ensure that they meet business requirements and are actioned in a timely manner
  • Responsible for the support of all software packages within the business, including installation, training, upgrades, maintenance, licences and day-to-day user support
  • Maintain an asset register for all IT business assets (hardware and software)
  • Manage cybersecurity risks, working with the Global IT team as needed

Role requirements:

  • Strong communication and stakeholder management skills
  • Methodical approach to problem solving
  • Strong time management and prioritisation
  • Keen to learn and implement innovative solutions in the spirit of continuous improvement

Required qualifications and experience:

  • A Bachelor’s degree in IT or a similar subject
  • A minimum of 2 years’ experience in a similar or frontline IT role in a manufacturing environment
  • Strong hardware management skills (server control, networking)
  • Experience working with/implementation of Dynamics 365 Business Central (BC)

This is an excellent opportunity to join a growing business, offering a fabulous working location.

Hours for the role are 08.00 to 17.00, Monday to Friday (with 1 hour lunch break) - you are required to be on-site Monday to Friday.

Due to the company’s location, you must have access to your own transport.

 

Just Recruitment acts as an employment agency for permanent roles.
The salary advertised is the bracket available for this position. The actual salary paid will be dependent on your level of experience, qualifications and skill set.
We are an equal opportunities employer and welcome applications from all suitable candidates.

 

Read more
QA Assistant
Sector: Production and Stock Control
Salary: £28,000 per annum
Location: Sudbury
Role: Full Time
Contract: Permanent
Job ref: 913504
About the role

Just Recruitment is working with a growing manufacturing business on the outskirts of Sudbury to recruit a Quality Assistant to join their experienced, technically skilled team.

The key purpose of the role is to support the business with all quality-based duties as directed by the Quality Manager and wider management team.

Duties include:

  • Assist with setting up and operating a Quality Assurance laboratory to screen all incoming raw materials and finished products manufactured on-site.
  • Ensuring legislative safety requirements and specific customer practices are adhered to.
  • Continuous management and alignment to industry requirements.
  • Undertaking internal audits relating to GMP and finished product requirements.
  • Maintain traceability, hygiene, quality, and process records with validation of results, identification of trends, root cause analysis where applicable and instigation of corrective actions.
  • Work closely with third-party certification bodies for sustainability, religious and ethical obligations.
  • Carry out sampling and investigations for microbiological, allergen, nutritional or customer requirements.
  • Working with essential service providers such as Pest Control, Hygiene, and work wear providers.
  • Assist with new product/process trials.
  • Communicate effectively with all the departments across all levels.
  • Flexibility to carry out additional duties as deemed necessary by the business.

Qualifications and experience required:

  • Internal auditing experience.
  • Ability to use all IT-based packages.

You will be a team player, self-motivated and possess excellent attention to detail.

Working hours are from Monday to Friday - working a 3 shift rotating pattern, early, late and night shifts.

This role offers a competitive basic salary along with a shift allowance and is an excellent opportunity to grow and develop your career.

 

Just Recruitment acts as an employment agency for permanent roles.
The salary advertised is the bracket available for this position. The actual salary paid will be dependent on your level of experience, qualifications and skill set.
We are an equal opportunities employer and welcome applications from all suitable candidates.

 

Read more