Recently my professional life turned upside down. I was let go from my job of 12 years as a junior sales consultant for a mid-level marketing and distribution agency in eastern Kansas. I had no choice but to move back in with my parents in the Pacific Northwest.
Over the next 6 months I applied to over 80 jobs and received nine interviews that went horribly. I tried everything: revising my resume, doing mock interviews, and writing cheesy thank-you notes to my interviewers.
On my 10th interview, I finally was offered the job. What was the big change to my approach that landed me the job? I ended that interview with a hug instead of a handshake – here’s why.
In the 1950’s corporate America was in its heyday. The American dream was to land a 5 figure salary so that you could not only provide for your family but also “keep up with the Joneses.” During this time period, the handshake was the key to “seal the deal.” You’d shake hands after every meeting, business lunch, and of course, job interview.
Fast forward 70 years. The work culture has changed dramatically. No longer is it about who can be the biggest “mover and shaker.” Instead, the work culture is all about making a family culture. People don’t want to just work with you – they want to be close to you, watch you grow as a person, and embrace you as a person. When you accept a new job, you’re not only taking on new job responsibilities: you’re taking on a new family.
In this context, it’s clear why I hug at the end of interviews instead of shaking hands. When’s the last time you shook hands with your Mom? Exactly. What’s a great way of separating yourself from the rest of the job candidates? Demonstrate your willingness to ingratiate yourself within the current corporate family by warmly enveloping your interviewer in your arms.
If you want to become a member of the corporate family, then you too should embrace your co-workers both figuratively and literally.
