Yeah it's more cunning because you have to frame it as someone that's criticising you, yet still spin what they say as a positive.

If someone was to give a negative reference about you, what three adjectives would they use?

"What are your weaknesses?"

"He doesn't know what an adjective is", "running", "green" and "innumerate".

It's all bullshit anyway, they make up their mind whether you're in our out within the first 10 seconds or so, apparently, so look confident, say nowt, and smile while shaking hands firmly with all and sundry.

That's not necessarily true, not to me anyway. Sure, first impressions do count for a lot but it isn't everything. I recently had to interview some candidates for a position and there was one guy that started brightly but as the interview progressed he was less and less impressive (he also turned up for the interview with his elderly mum which was a little unusual). The successful candidate didn't start so well, but answered the 'soft' parts really well.

A firm, positive handshake is quite important to me though as a first impression, that's true. I can't stand a limp, uncommitted handshake ( ). A poor handshake wouldn't rule someone out though, that wouldn't be fair.

A load of wrestlers use limp handshakes to show how they won't hurt you in the ring.

It's weird seeing these massive blokes offer real limp handshakes.

Someone who weighs 20 stone with wrists like most people's bicep doesn't need to crush your hand in a handshake.

I can't help but think weak handshake = weak person. There's nothing worse than clasping a limp hand and you immediately assume the guy is a bit guff.

Only one thing worse than a limp handshake: a limp, sweaty handshake. Ugh.

I'm a great believer in the "break their fingers then pull hand up to full 'biker handshake', then follow with manly back slapping to knock the wind out of em" approach. Goes down a storm in client meetings, especially with female clients.

Yes, it was indeed a lame attempt at comedy MrC. I don't really break women's hands and do biker handshakes in meetings.

However, you're probably onto something with that 50% rule...