newmoon Posted June 6, 2015 Share Posted June 6, 2015 is it ok to not shake hands at the start/end of a professional interview? i'm a huge germaphobe, especially when it comes to hands. i don't even eat out because i'm concerned about servers' hands and where they have been. is it ok to avoid shaking hands somehow at the interview?? and how to get around that? i'm in a very professional career position and have a supervisory interview next week (a panel of 4 people will be in front of me, none of whom i know) and i'd like to not shake at all. Link to post Share on other sites
alphamale Posted June 6, 2015 Share Posted June 6, 2015 you don't have to shake hands 1 Link to post Share on other sites
TaraMaiden2 Posted June 6, 2015 Share Posted June 6, 2015 carry a clutch-purse and hold it with both hands, and just sit in the chair offered. Smile sweetly, though. Look demure, and they'll get the impression that you're a lady, and ladies do not have their hands shaken, ladies have their hands kissed. Which of course, in a professional working environment, would never happen. 4 Link to post Share on other sites
d0nnivain Posted June 6, 2015 Share Posted June 6, 2015 If the interviewer stick out his or her hand & you don't take it you will not get the job. I'm serious. Wash your hands thoroughly before the interview. Immediately after duck into a restroom. If you are escorted out & can't have some alcohol solution in your purse, briefcase or car & immediately re-wash your hands. After you get the job you can tell them about your germaphobia but not before. 8 Link to post Share on other sites
alphamale Posted June 6, 2015 Share Posted June 6, 2015 After you get the job you can tell them about your germaphobia but not before. i wouldn't even do that, they may think he is a weirdo 2 Link to post Share on other sites
Got it Posted June 6, 2015 Share Posted June 6, 2015 I would get therapy to help with that. No, I don't see a way around shaking hands. That is the typical business protocol in the western world. It could be worse, someone could try and hug you. 3 Link to post Share on other sites
d0nnivain Posted June 6, 2015 Share Posted June 6, 2015 i wouldn't even do that, they may think he is a weirdo alpha I wouldn't either but if the OP is really concerned, it will be easier to tell people then run around trying to hide it. If the OP's work ethic & productivity are otherwise good most employers won't care that much. Link to post Share on other sites
TaraMaiden2 Posted June 6, 2015 Share Posted June 6, 2015 i wouldn't even do that, they may think she is a weirdo Fixed that for you... 1 Link to post Share on other sites
CarrieT Posted June 6, 2015 Share Posted June 6, 2015 If the interviewer stick out his or her hand & you don't take it you will not get the job. I'm serious. Totally concur, 100%. 2 Link to post Share on other sites
Author newmoon Posted June 6, 2015 Author Share Posted June 6, 2015 If the interviewer stick out his or her hand & you don't take it you will not get the job. I'm serious. Wash your hands thoroughly before the interview. Immediately after duck into a restroom. If you are escorted out & can't have some alcohol solution in your purse, briefcase or car & immediately re-wash your hands. After you get the job you can tell them about your germaphobia but not before. ok, i'm willing to do this. but i'll wait for a cue. if none of the 4 people extend a hand i'm quickly sitting down. if someone does then i'll do it, but i'll run to the washroom afterwards. biggest fear: having to shake hands with all 4 people :-( do you shake hands one time only? or at start and the end? Link to post Share on other sites
alphamale Posted June 6, 2015 Share Posted June 6, 2015 Fixed that for you... i didn't know there were any female germaphobes Link to post Share on other sites
writergal Posted June 6, 2015 Share Posted June 6, 2015 is it ok to not shake hands at the start/end of a professional interview? i'm a huge germaphobe, especially when it comes to hands. i don't even eat out because i'm concerned about servers' hands and where they have been. is it ok to avoid shaking hands somehow at the interview?? and how to get around that? i'm in a very professional career position and have a supervisory interview next week (a panel of 4 people will be in front of me, none of whom i know) and i'd like to not shake at all. Don't refuse a hand-shake, but don't initiate one either. 4 Link to post Share on other sites
TaraMaiden2 Posted June 6, 2015 Share Posted June 6, 2015 ok, i'm willing to do this. but i'll wait for a cue. if none of the 4 people extend a hand i'm quickly sitting down. if someone does then i'll do it, but i'll run to the washroom afterwards. biggest fear: having to shake hands with all 4 people :-( do you shake hands one time only? or at start and the end? Brace yourself: It's usually a 'bookends' gesture, i.e., at the beginning AND at the end. 1 Link to post Share on other sites
Author newmoon Posted June 6, 2015 Author Share Posted June 6, 2015 Brace yourself: It's usually a 'bookends' gesture, i.e., at the beginning AND at the end. really? omg. Link to post Share on other sites
TaraMaiden2 Posted June 6, 2015 Share Posted June 6, 2015 Try to not get overly stressed about this. It's a cordial gesture, and really, you should focus on getting the interview under your belt. Don't make your handshake crushingly firm, so as to break their knuckles, but don't let your hand be like a soggy, wilting lettuce leaf.... hold well, two short shakes, let go. You can tell a lot about a person's handshake. And to be honest, I've experienced both types described above, from both men AND women. There's nothing more off-putting than a weak and limp wrist though, and while it's deplorable in women, it's absolutely unforgivable in a man. 1 Link to post Share on other sites
alphamale Posted June 6, 2015 Share Posted June 6, 2015 alpha I wouldn't either but if the OP is really concerned, it will be easier to tell people then run around trying to hide it. If the OP's work ethic & productivity are otherwise good most employers won't care that much. so should he say: "hi my name is newmoon and i'm a germaphobe"? Link to post Share on other sites
Hope Shimmers Posted June 7, 2015 Share Posted June 7, 2015 I hate to break this to you, but there likely are more germs on door handles and many other things you touch routinely than there may be on someone's hands. Even so, I think you should suck it up and shake hands (and even offer to shake) if you want the job. You can always wash your hands later. You aren't going to immediately get sick from shaking someone's hand. 2 Link to post Share on other sites
alphamale Posted June 7, 2015 Share Posted June 7, 2015 I hate to break this to you, but there likely are more germs on door handles and many other things you touch routinely than there may be on someone's hands. the majority of germs are transmitted thru paper money and coins 1 Link to post Share on other sites
johan Posted June 7, 2015 Share Posted June 7, 2015 People protect themselves from germs too much. As opposed to avoiding them, you should not shy away from exposing yourself to them. It is better for you. Look it up: your body mass consists of 10 bacteria for every human cells. They are around 2% of your body mass, meaning if you weigh 150lbs, then you are the host of three pounds of bacteria. They are a critical part of your digestive tract, helping to digest food and providing vitamins you can't access on your own. This isn't to say you should go around licking door handles or coins. But shaking hands is no big deal. Germs don't get in through your skin. If you remember not to stick your fingers in your mouth afterwards, you should be fine. 3 Link to post Share on other sites
Cowboysnation Posted June 7, 2015 Share Posted June 7, 2015 I don't think I ever been on a interview without shaking hands. Link to post Share on other sites
thefooloftheyear Posted June 7, 2015 Share Posted June 7, 2015 I'm an employer and have been for yeas...Shaking hands is a customary gesture for both men and women...In fact, If someone ducked out of that I wouldn't hire them...period.. TFY 4 Link to post Share on other sites
Art_Critic Posted June 7, 2015 Share Posted June 7, 2015 I've been germy before and just told someone I have a sick kid at home and don't want to pass anything to them... as far as an interview.. yeah.. shake their hands, why shoot yourself in the foot before you get hired and give the wrong impression to someone you are trying to impress. 1 Link to post Share on other sites
Cowboysnation Posted June 7, 2015 Share Posted June 7, 2015 I've been germy before and just told someone I have a sick kid at home and don't want to pass anything to them... as far as an interview.. yeah.. shake their hands, why shoot yourself in the foot before you get hired and give the wrong impression to someone you are trying to impress. I agree it's no way to avoid shaking hands on a job interview. 1 Link to post Share on other sites
alphamale Posted June 7, 2015 Share Posted June 7, 2015 This isn't to say you should go around licking door handles or coins. But shaking hands is no big deal. Germs don't get in through your skin. If you remember not to stick your fingers in your mouth afterwards, you should be fine. :lmao: Link to post Share on other sites
Gloria25 Posted June 7, 2015 Share Posted June 7, 2015 I detest "limp" handshakes... I especially hate when women like put out their hand like if they want you to kiss it and that's their version of the flakiest handshake EVER!!! YEA, people are gross. Some don't even wash their hands after they go to the bathroom. But interviews - and even your probationary period on your job is about first impressions. Shoot, even after your probationary period, somethings you gotta just suck up and do. Also, on top of everything I "liked" so far, did you know that your mouse and keyboard has more germs than a handshake and even a toilet seat? 1 Link to post Share on other sites
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