Refusing handshake...would this be appropiate?

that sounds fine to me. i remember my sister interviewed at a small company and the owner could not shake hands with her because of his religious beliefs. didn't make anything awkward, but i can see how you are concerned since you're the one hoping to get the job.

the email could be useful but i'm not sure if it's necessary. the recruiter and HR team should be professional enough to move on to the interview smoothly after exchanging greetings and i wouldn't be surprised if they've had other candidates in the past who have also had the same situation as you. i say you should go with the flow.

good luck with your interview!

Surely, rather than draw attention to yourself in an awkward way, and "making a big deal of it" yourself, it would be better to wait for the occasion to occur, which it might not, and then just politely acknowledge, perhaps with a bow of the head while keeping your hand to yourself.

The polite bow of the head takes the place of the handshake and they should respect that, especially as you are a woman.

That should be sufficient for them to understand. You might even find they bow their heads back. I probably would.

Going into explanations might be counter productive. Better for them to want to know rather than be told cold, as it were.

Don't bring it up, on your own. The first time someone offers to shake your hand (if they do), just politely tell them that you do not shake hands, and politely explain why.

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Fair warning seems like the best option in my opinion, although it's hard to imagine that everybody at the meeting would get the message beforehand anyhow. I'm sure nobody will be offended anyhow, as handshaking is a gesture we make because we feel it's expected of us within our culture, not because we're making a statement of any kind. Make sure you communicate though. You can't just leave 'em hangin' because that would be rude.

Dear god, the superstition here is MADDENING!

Can you fist bump? Is *that* allowed?

What kind of God goes apeshit over someone shaking hands with a member of the opposite sex? You are living in the Middle Ages, woman!

Sure, the email is a great idea.

I'm sure no-one will be offended by such a request.

I certainly wouldn't, if I am politely informed beforehand.

Can you bypass the handshake thing by hugging instead?

Just be straightforward and honest, and tell him what you told us.

Nothing bad will happen if you shake hands, Get over it and get the job.

What a stupid and silly religion you have. Hope you get well soon and realize how dumb you are.