A woman in mid-30s, I received a comment on my strong handshake in a job interview, from a male interviewer. That felt patronising and left me wondering: am I wrong? Do men get complimented on their strong handshake? Or maybe it’s normal to comment on handshake in a job interview?

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A compliment on a handshake should be seen as exactly that... a compliment. It shows assertiveness and confidence. Both men and women can have a weak handshake that is seen as a lack of confidence by some, so I'm sure he was just trying to compliment you.

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Or it could simply show a variety of physical/medical issues that might impact one's grip and handshake.
It's like claiming height or a full head of hair is an indication of good character.

Men comment on that to one another all the time. He probably let his guard slip, by commenting on yours. I personally wouldn’t read too much into it, if anything thats something to be hold your head high about. Unless you feel your handshake isn’t strong in the first place.

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I agree with A1. I get complimented and surprised looks by people all the time for my handshake. But I was taught, firm shake leaves a lasting impression-especially in a world full of white men. No one wants to shake a fish. Do yourself a favor and take things for face value and don’t over analyze them. It will lighten your mental load significantly and propel you within your career-beyond the handshake.

Congrats on leaving a good impression.

likesmart

This is DEI bowl, not “help me gaslight myself” bowl

funny

I personally think it's kind of shallow and ableist to judge people on that unless the job literally requires grip strength to perform the required duties.

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Making an observation is not the same as assigning merit. Not everything is offensive.

I compliment everyone on a good handshake, especially when paired with eye contact.

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I wouldn't overthink it. I have been complimented on my firm handshake as well, which I guess surprised the person making the comment (he was a much bigger guy than I am). I was taught same as you - firm handshake shows presence and strength.

helpful

Yes, men comment on strong handshakes all the time. I wouldn’t want to discriminate you as a woman and not compliment, unless that’s what you want?

Nobody on this board could see the actual interaction. If he had said “oh wow, a strong handshake…for a girl” or something like that it would be problematic

helpful

Sometimes the best response is simply to acknowledge the comment politely and move on. Take it in stride. I do hear compliments on handshakes between men all the time.

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