You have been offered an interview at one of the UK's vet schools, so congratulations are in order. In the run up, a lot of applicants find themselves worrying about the handshake, what to do, how firm it should be, and how to give the perfect one. I want to put your mind at ease, because in truth it matters very little.
Why the handshake counts for so little
In the grand scheme of an interview, a handshake lasts a couple of seconds, if it happens at all. It tells the panel nothing meaningful about your character, your reasoning or your suitability for the profession. It is simply a greeting. Some interviewers would rather not shake hands with dozens of applicants across a long day, for hygiene reasons among others, and if they keep their hands to themselves it says nothing about how they feel towards you.
This is even more true at a multiple mini interview, where you move quickly between stations and there is often no handshake at all. The panel are assessing how you think, communicate and handle the scenarios, not the firmness of your grip.
What to actually do
Let the interviewer take the lead. If they offer a hand, take it and give a gentle, brief shake, then move on without a second thought. If they do not, no problem at all. Either way, the things that genuinely open a conversation well are the same: make eye contact, smile, and greet them warmly. Often the interviewer will start with a little small talk to put you at ease, so meet that warmly too.
Far more useful than rehearsing a handshake is getting the rest of your first impression right. Calm, open body language and a tidy, comfortable interview outfit do much more for you than any greeting ritual.
Put your energy where it counts
All in all, the handshake is not something to lose sleep over. What matters far more is showing that you are a warm, thoughtful person with a genuine passion for veterinary medicine, and that you can reason your way through the questions you are asked. Spend your preparation time on our vet school interview tips and on practising the questions that come up most often, and let the handshake look after itself.
Common questions
Does the handshake matter at a vet school interview?+
Not really. It lasts a couple of seconds and tells the panel nothing about your suitability for the profession. Many interviews, especially MMIs, involve no handshake at all. Your reasoning, communication and warmth matter far more.
Should I offer my hand first?+
It is easiest to let the interviewer take the lead. If they offer a hand, take it with a gentle, brief shake. If they do not, simply smile, make eye contact and greet them warmly. There is no need to force a handshake.
What makes a good first impression at a vet interview?+
Warmth and composure. A genuine smile, natural eye contact, open body language and a friendly greeting do far more than any handshake. Being prepared and calm lets that warmth come through naturally.