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The simple answer is this: offer a firm, brief handshake, make eye contact, smile, and match the other person’s grip. That is usually enough to look polite, calm and professional.
If you are nervous, do not overthink it. A good interview handshake is not about being flashy. It is about showing you are steady, respectful and ready to talk.
The simple formula for a good interview handshake
Keep it short and straightforward. Extend your right hand, meet the other person’s hand fully, give one or two gentle pumps, then let go. You do not need to squeeze hard or hold on too long.
The best handshakes feel natural. If you try too hard to look confident, you can end up appearing tense. A calm greeting matters more than a perfect technique. If you want more help with interview basics, our guide on how to answer “Tell me about you” is a useful next read.
Think firm, brief and friendly. That is the whole formula.
When to offer a handshake, and when to wait
In a typical UK interview, the interviewer may offer a handshake as they greet you or when you first meet. If they do, respond confidently. If they do not, you can usually offer one when you are introduced, but only if it feels appropriate and they are clearly open to it.
Sometimes the setting changes the timing. In a panel interview, wait for the lead interviewer to make the first move. In a virtual interview, there is no handshake to worry about at all, so focus on posture, eye contact with the camera and a clear greeting instead.
If the atmosphere feels uncertain, watch the other person. The point is to be polite, not pushy. A smooth greeting helps set the tone, but it should never feel forced.
- Respond if the interviewer offers first.
- If no handshake is offered, do not make it awkward.
- In remote interviews, skip the handshake and open with a clear hello.
- In formal panel interviews, follow the lead of the main interviewer.
How to get the grip, eye contact and timing right
Your grip should feel like a normal business greeting. Not limp. Not crushing. Match the other person’s pressure and keep your wrist straight. Eye contact matters just as much as the handshake itself, because it shows confidence and attention.
Timing is simple once you stop overthinking it. Stand up, smile, say hello and offer your hand at the natural pause in the greeting. If you are carrying a bag, folder or coat, put it down first if you can so you are not fumbling as you greet them.
What a firm handshake feels like in practice is easy to describe. It should feel secure in the other person’s hand, like a brief sign of confidence rather than a test of strength. For more interview practice, you might also want to browse current internship and graduate opportunities while you build your confidence.
Match the other person. That is the safest way to get the pressure right.
Common handshake mistakes that make you look unsure
The biggest mistake is a weak, slippery handshake that lasts too long or ends too quickly. That can make you seem uncertain. On the other hand, an overly hard grip can feel aggressive. Both distract from the conversation before it has even started.
Other mistakes are easy to avoid. Do not stare at the floor. Do not fidget with your sleeve, phone or notes while greeting someone. And do not rush in so fast that you miss the other person’s cue. Small details matter because they shape the first impression.
If you are preparing for the rest of the interview too, our articles on talking about a mistake in interview and explaining your weaknesses clearly can help you feel more settled overall. The first impression is only one part of the day, but it is a useful one to get right.
- Do not give a limp handshake.
- Do not crush the other person’s hand.
- Do not hold on too long.
- Do not look away or fidget while greeting them.
What to do if you are nervous, or the other person does not offer a handshake
If you are nervous, keep your focus on one simple sequence: stand, smile, eye contact, handshake, hello. Rehearse that once or twice before you go in. The more familiar it feels, the less likely you are to freeze when the door opens.
If the other person does not offer a handshake, do not panic. A warm verbal greeting is enough. Just say hello, use their name if you know it, and move naturally into the conversation. Some people prefer not to shake hands for personal, health or cultural reasons, and that is fine.
The same applies if you are in a situation where handshakes are not the norm. Respect the other person’s lead. Good interview etiquette is about being adaptable, not memorising one rule for every setting. If you are still finding your feet, Career Advice is a good place to keep building your interview confidence.
If in doubt, be polite and follow the interviewer’s lead.
Final interview tips and what to do next in your job search
A good handshake will not get you the job on its own, but it can help you start in the right place. It shows that you are prepared, composed and easy to deal with. That matters, especially when you are applying for your first internship or graduate role.
The best next step is to keep your preparation practical. Work on your greeting, your answers and your research, then put that confidence into real applications. If you are ready to move from preparation to action, search for live roles on Internwise internship and graduate vacancies and start applying with a clearer plan.
If you are not quite ready yet, that is fine too. Keep reading, keep practising and come back when you are ready to take the next step.
Preparation helps, but action is what moves your search forward.
Frequently Asked Questions
Should I always shake hands at a job interview?
Usually, yes, if the interviewer offers or it feels like the normal greeting. But if they do not offer one, a friendly hello and eye contact are enough. Follow their lead and keep it respectful.
How firm should my handshake be?
Firm enough to feel confident, but not hard. Match the other person’s grip, keep it brief and release after one or two pumps. You want to look steady, not forceful.
What if I am too nervous to shake hands properly?
Keep it simple. Stand up, smile, make eye contact and let your hand move naturally. If you hesitate for a second, that is fine. Most interviewers will not mind a brief pause if you stay polite and calm.
What should I do in a remote interview?
There is no handshake in a virtual interview. Instead, focus on a clear greeting, good eye contact with the camera and relaxed body language. That first impression still matters.
Key Takeaways
Ready to put your interview prep into action?
Search live internships, placements and graduate roles with Internwise. Once you have the basics covered, the next step is to register, explore roles and start applying with confidence.
