Will Zwikelmeier, director of career opportunities and employer relations (COER) offers the following guidance to students interviewing for jobs:

“You have heard for years, mostly from an older generation, that a handshake can make or break your chances at getting a job. While it is true that it doesn’t take a trained professional to pick up on cues like nervousness and confidence from this simple bit of body language, it is also important to know that a handshake isn’t indicative of your professional skills, knowledge or personality. Shaking hands is a learned activity and nothing more.

“Let’s err on the side of caution though and pose a more pertinent question. If we make the (false) assumption that a limp dead handshake can ruin your chances at getting your dream job, what about no handshake at all?  The answer is a resounding no, with one caveat. You must communicate.

“With no communication, things can get awkward fast. Think about that anxious feeling when someone leaves you hanging for a high five. That is no way to start a job interview. Instead, when someone extends their hand you can try one of these responses:

• ‘I’m sorry, I am not shaking hands with anyone right now to help limit the spread of germs.’
• ‘I’m sorry, my hands are still a little wet from washing up.’
• ‘I’m sorry, the university has asked us not to shake hands right now.’

“Keep it light, keep it direct, and follow up with something like, ‘I am very excited for this opportunity to meet you, though.’

“If you choose to give in to the peer pressure or if your instinct to shake hands takes over your body, it is no big deal. Now you just have to spend the next half hour trying to be the best version of yourself in front of a complete stranger while simultaneously thinking ‘Don’t touch your face, don’t touch your face.’ I’m sure that won’t get in the way at all.

“Wash your hands.”

– Will Zwikelmeier