A Good Interview Is In Your Hands

I recently read this short article in the Wells Fargo Daily Advantage publication. I have heard from professors and professionals the importance of a good handshake, but somewhat dismissed the tip. A new study conducted by Greg Stewart emphasizes the handshake as a major factor in the hiring process.

Pssst, here's a hot tip for people interviewing for jobs. When you meet the interviewer, give a good hearty handshake. A study conducted by Greg Stewart, a professor of management at the University of Iowa, found that a firm handshake is the key to getting the offer. The professor tested 98 students by having them interview with business people and also shake hands with people trained to rate handshakes. Both groups rated each student's performance and hireability, and they rated the students with strong handshakes as the most hirable. Says Stewart: "We probably don't consciously remember a person's handshake or whether it was good or bad, but the handshake is one of the first non-verbal clues we get about the person's overall personality. And that impression is what we remember." (The full results of the study will be published in the September issue of The Journal of Applied Psychology.)

According to Stewart, you can execute a good handshake by following a few simple rules:

1. Form a complete and firm grip (no finger squeezers, no dead mice)

2. Make a vigorous up and down movement (but remember you're not chopping wood)

3. Make eye contact (no I'm-the-dude sunglasses or redeye)

For more intern tips, visit the InternshipRatings.com advice column, Take Note!

--Stephanie

Internships: It's all I ever hear about

Internships, internships, internships…it’s all I ever hear about! I had a get together with a bunch of my high school friends the other night. What did you think we talked about? Internships (obviously)! The conversation went something like this: who was working where, places they applied and connections they had. These were hot topics of conversation that lased longer than one would expect.

The New York Times published a phenomenal article that discussed the various aspects of an internship experience. Journalist Lisa Belkin writes, “Internship is to first job as community service is to college.” So true! As the article states, it is hard to land a job without having the past experience of an internship at this day and age. Unfortunately, getting that experience is becoming harder by the minute. If you have not yet started planning for a summer internship, you are officially late! Don’t worry, you still have a little time before applying. Start thinking of all of the people you know and see if they can help you find an internship. Then get cracking! Send out a cover letter and resume as soon as possible. In your cover letter, make sure that you present yourself properly. If you are applying for a creative job, write a creative resume! Set yourself apart from everyone else. You only have one chance to distinguish yourself from other qualified candidates, so take advantage of this opportunity.

Goodluck!

Check out the recent Times article: http://www.nytimes.com/2008/01/06/education/edlife/interns.html?pagewanted=1&_r=1&ei=5087&em&en=34f11f7b9097cf99&ex=1199768400