What's the best way to get a new job? is an attractive CV, the right qualifications, a well-organized application form, a good interview technique? Well, important as these things are, none is more important than a good handshake according to new research. Professor Jana Iverson of Columbia University in the US has completed research that shows that a good handshake is crucial in creating a good first impression at a job interview. Her research shows that hard movements and body language are up to eight times more important in a job interview than what an interviewee says, Communication is not just about speaking, says Iverson. A weak handshake means a person's personality is much the same. A firm handshake on the other hand means a person is open and confident, likely to be skilled, well-organized and independent."

This research may explain the importance Western society has placed on people shaking hands. Whether you want to be a sales assistant, a train driver, a waiter, or an accountant, the secret of communication is in the hands. The most successful businessmen and interviewees all know that.

Professor Iverson's research will come as no surprise to some psychologists, who have known for a long time that body language is important, Politicians and television presenters are given special training in what to do with their hands Our hands help us to communicate ideas, seys Iverson. They also help the speaker to think more clearly about what they are saying. If there is anything you want to keep secret from the people you are speaking to it is probably best to just sit on your hands!

Reading

Read the article and decide if the sentences are true (T) or false (F).

(26) The best way to get a new job is to have a good handshake.(T/F)
(27) Professor Iverson says that communication is only about speaking.(T/F)
(28) A weak handshake means you are sensitive and emotional. (T/F)
(29)Sales assistants, train drivers, waiters and accountants are the best communicators. (T/F)
(30) Professor Iverson trains politicians and television presenters.(T/F)​