Job interview/Shake Hands?

With a flu epidemic going on, how are employers feeling about handshaking at a job interview? Should I wait for a cue from the interviewers? Or should I immediately extend my hand as usual?

Original Post by tdionne:

With a flu epidemic going on, how are employers feeling about handshaking at a job interview? Should I wait for a cue from the interviewers? Or should I immediately extend my hand as usual?

I say go for it.  and bring a bottle of purell ;D 

Extend as usual, unless you, yourself are contagious. If you are, explain with a simple: Forgive me if I don't shake hands, I've got the flu.

The interviewer will do the same if he or she does not wish to shake.

At least that's the way I learned it, back in the day. ;)

Extend your hand with a clean kleenex or hankerchief in it. :D

Extend your hand as usual, with the typical advice of firm handshake and make eye contact. If  the interviewer is uncomfortable, that person will give you a sign or appropriate explanation - but **let the interview take the lead**.  And that is solid advice for pretty much every step of interviewing.

Then just be extra conscious during /after the interview not to touch your face/put anything to your mouth (ie. sometime we subconsciously put a pen to our lips while thing thinking).  Then just wash your hands / use some purell or something after the interview. (If you personally want to be be uber cautious, then go ahead and wipe down anything you were touching throughout as well after handshaking, like pens and portfolios). Good luck!

Wear a surgical mask and latex gloves to the interview.  Shake hands normally.

I recently did two interviews with potential candidates.  One shook hands, one didn't.  It almost felt like the second was ill-informed on business protocols.  It left a negative first impression.  The position was offered to the first candidate.  Shaking hands was not the only flag raised in the decision, there were several other behaviours that seem ill-placed.

I actually saw on the news today that the "fist pump" is becoming an acceptable alternative to the handshake! I think they said even Obama does it!

Original Post by cellophane_star:

I actually saw on the news today that the "fist pump" is becoming an acceptable alternative to the handshake! I think they said even Obama does it!

 Ha!  They've started doing that at my parent's church because of the flu.  I think it's silly.  Opening a public door or holding a railing as you go down stairs is just as dirty as shaking a hand.

The day I fist pump an interviewer is the day I no longer deserve a job.  I say shake hands unless the interviewer says otherwise.  At the very very least, you can probably feel free to ask if they are comfortable shaking hands with you due to the flu scare.  At least that shows them you know what is normally expected in an interview.

I've seen people using antibacterial stuff right after shaking hands, opening doors or even pressing elevator buttons. I don't think anyone would be offended.

I'm pretty sure their hands have fewer germs than a dollar bill, esp. one that has passed through certain extablishments. 

Shake their hand!

I would ask if they feel comfortable shaking hands with what's going on with H1N1.  If they say they are, go ahead and shake.  If not, don't.  Easy.

Original Post by cptbunny:

I've seen people using antibacterial stuff right after shaking hands, opening doors or even pressing elevator buttons.

I laugh at those people.

It seems to me that those who are most paranoid about getting sick actually end up getting sick the most.

*points to crazy lady in his bureau that's out sick despite her constant use of hand sanitizer*

Nothing ensures health as much as a naturally robust immune system developed through years of both accidental and deliberate gradual exposure to varied microorganisms.

*points to his 300+ hours of accruing sick leave*

...

And, I'm surprised no one has mentioned the hug option.  Just grab 'em.

Agree, 100% Doc.

Original Post by dnrothx:

Original Post by cptbunny:

I've seen people using antibacterial stuff right after shaking hands, opening doors or even pressing elevator buttons.

I laugh at those people.

It seems to me that those who are most paranoid about getting sick actually end up getting sick the most.

*points to crazy lady in his bureau that's out sick despite her constant use of hand sanitizer*

Nothing ensures health as much as a naturally robust immune system developed through years of both accidental and deliberate gradual exposure to varied microorganisms.

*points to his 300+ hours of accruing sick leave*

...

And, I'm surprised no one has mentioned the hug option.  Just grab 'em.

But never kiss on the first interview, you want them to ask you back don't you?