To Shake or Not to Shake, That is the Question

With all of the conversation lately about the H1N1 virus, it is no wonder that I've had a few inquiries about whether or not to shake hands at a job fair, job interview or job networking event. As I was considering a post about this topic, it made me wonder where the custom of a handshake originated in the first place. From what I can discover, it seems that in the days of old, a handshake signified that you were weapon-free.

According to the Old Farmer's Almanac, the custom of the handshake started in medieval times. "The world was an unsavory place back then, and people often concealed weapons in their hands. The handshake was a way of affirming that neither you nor the person you were greeting was carrying anything intended to harm. Over time, it evolved into a polite greeting."

At a job interview, the practice of a handshake starts and concludes the meeting. It is an expected, polite professional exchange between two parties. People draw conclusions and make decisions (yea or nay) about us dependent upon our handshake. With the H1N1 virus, however, things have changed and handshakes have been curtailed by some. And as it goes in the handshake department, there are various types. In this article, for instance, it cites five specific types of handshakes:

The Dead Fish, The Vise Grip, The Claw, The Water Pump, and the Germ-a-phobic. However, in this particular article, according to Stephen Viscusi, workplace expert and author of Bulletproof Your Job, he refers to the "Viagra handshake" as an essential handshake for interviewing. (Sorry, I don't mean to offend, or shock...it's his descriptive term).

Regardless of your particular type of handshake, are you still shaking hands at job-related events or have you discarded this practice due to H1N1? Whether you shake, or whether you don't, that's your call to choose. In any case, I'd buy some hand sanitizer.

posted by: billiesucher

Comments

[Malcolm Chlan]

It is interesting to see where the new flu virus takes things. How will it change how we introduce ourselves to people? Will it be rude if someone goes to shake your hand and you don't reciprocate?

[Marie Adams]

I don't think the H1N1 virus is going to change the workplace any more than the usual influenza strains have. If you're sick or getting over the flu, don't spread it by shaking someone's hand. Tell the person why you're not shaking and I'm sure they'll appreciate it.

I'll still be shaking hands, but keeping a supply of hand sanitizer in my purse just in case.

[Staci]

I did a job fair a few weeks ago, prior to the H1N1 virus being a threat and politly shook hands with anyone that offered their hand. We had seen a lot of people that day, people actually waiting in line it was that busy, and I actually ended up getting very sick the next day with some type of bug. I have always been a germophobic but that just made me worse. I still shake hands when I have an interview but immediately wash my hands after an interview. We also now carry hand sanitizer to jobs fairs but do not offer our hands as easily as we have in the past. I'm sure getting sick from shaking hands with someone has always been an issue and will continue with or without the H1N1 virus, unfortunately.

[John]

Lets put things into perspective, 36,000 Americans die every year from the 'normal' flu. You have a better chance of being hit by a car than getting the H1N1 virus.

It's more than my jobs worth, as they say.

[billiesucher]

Malcolm...it will be interesting to see how this goes...just yesterday a client said they did not wish to shake hands as they thought they were getting sick. Thoughtfulness! Thanks for commenting.
- Billie

Marie - thank you for your comment; people are thinking twice before shaking hands these days it seems.
- Billie

Staci - thanks for your post and hope you're feeling better!
- Billie

John - good perspective. Thanks for your thoughts.
- Billie

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