Job Search Lessons From Dating

You find a job that looks interesting, you go to the interview looking your best to see if the job is a good fit, you go home and wait by the phone for the call back… Sound familiar? Maybe like a first date? If you think about it, the process of getting a job is very much like dating. For both dating and job searching, there are the do’s and don’ts. Not surprisingly, there are many parallels between them.

Today let’s talk about the don’ts.

1. DON’T be late! The worst thing you can do is to be late to an interview. As it would on a date, it sends the message that you are not serious about the job. Before an interview, always leave early to ensure you have time to deal with traffic or finding parking. Always arrive at least 5 minutes before the interview and you can wait in your car to get settled in and comfortable.

2. DON’T be pretentious. It’s unattractive when people brag about themselves. While having confidence is great, being cocky is not. Talking about your accomplishments is important during an interview, but keep your story relevant to the position and to the company. Don’t go rambling on.

3. DON’T reveal too much information. There are two types of information you should avoid during interviews and dates: the negative and the uninteresting.

• Never bad mouth your exes, i.e. your past employers. When you show bitterness, it’s a big turn-off for any potential partners.  If you have to talk about your breakup, keep it positive.
• Don’t bore your date, i.e. your interviewer. While small talk can be good for making connections, remember you are selling yourself to the company for a specific job. Keep the discussion relevant to keep them interested.

Keeping these tips in mind during your job search can help you secure additional dates (i.e.  interviews) and eventually a marriage proposal (i.e. job offer).

We’d love to hear about what you think.  Do you see any similarities between dating and job searching?  Share your insights and let us hear your thoughts.