Ladies, get a grip: What your handshake says about you

Recently, my firm was looking to hire a new associate, and several candidates came in to interview.

Although I vaguely remembered the applicants, one man in particular stood out in my mind.

He was friendly, made eye contact, smiled and gave me a nice, firm handshake when we met.

He also bid me goodbye and thanked me when he left even though I clearly had no decision-making capability in the hiring process.

After several weeks, it was announced that a choice had been made and the new associate would be starting on Monday. 

I wasn't surprised to see the man who had made such a good impression on me walk through the door that Monday. Once again, he introduced himself with a friendly smile, eye contact, and that same firm handshake.

I rarely meet a man who doesn't have a firm grip when shaking hands, but there have been a few. And, in my experience, it is more common to receive a limp hand from a woman.

Ladies, grab a hold! You are strong, independent and successful! Don't undermine yourself with a dainty grip.

The handshake is meant to be a gesture of trust and camaraderie. It's used as a means to put two people on equal ground. A wimpy handshake lacks confidence and gives the impression that the last thing you want to do is shake hands with this person.

However, the strength of the grip isn't the only thing that makes the handshake memorable. Timing and additional body language also contribute to the overall message.

Timing: Some people pull away almost immediately like they don't have time for pleasantries. Other people strong-arm you as if they are trying to make a point and assert themselves.

To me, the perfect handshake is firm, but not a death-grip. It lasts about 1.5 seconds, or the amount of time it takes to get through the "Hi, nice to meet you" introduction. It lets the recipient know that their time is valued and respected.

Body language: Studies have shown that 93% of communication is non-verbal. In other words, more is being communicated through your body language than through the actual words coming out of your mouth.

So smile! You may have some very serious business to discuss, but a smile isn't going to make the task at hand any less serious, and it might even help things run smoother.

Make eye contact. Not making eye contact makes you look dodgy, like you're trying to hide something -- never a good vibe to send to a potential business contact. 

And, lastly, take a cue from the person with whom you are trying to communicate. Different people have different comfort zones when it comes to physical contact and proximity, so try to be aware of their reactions and body language also.

These few extra things combined with a solid, firm handshake show the other person that you are genuinely interested in what they have to say and can leave a positive and lasting first impression.

Jennifer Stuart is a smart 26 year old professional in Chicago. She has a BA in Musical Theater and an MA in PR and Advertising. You can follow her thoughts on musical theater, health and fitness at www.twitter.com/jenstuart27.