Job searching, like dating, can be a bumpy ride. In our pursuit of love and a good career, we’ve found 5 ways the two activities are eerily similar:
5. There’s no closure.
Things went great. You really hit it off. You’re sure your date/interviewer feels the same way. But then it’s a week later and all you’ve received is radio silence. You can refresh your inbox and check your spam folder, but be prepared to move on. Understand that this job/date is not right for you and that there will be others.
4. That first meeting is awkward.
An interview is a kind of blind date. You may not know what your interviewer looks like ahead of time or what their personality is like. Make your interview less awkward by looking confident, i.e. make eye contact, give a firm handshake, and stop talking when you’ve sufficiently answered the question. Also, pre-interview, brush up on general current events and ones in your field. There will most likely be a minute or two of small talk and you’ll want to be prepared.
3. You just want them to like you.
People will tell you an interview is a two-way street. It’s not just about the interviewer liking you, but you need to like the interviewer too. This is true, but it’s hard not to feel powerless when they are the ones deciding your fate. The best way to impress your interviewer is to do your research, i.e. know about the company, who they’ve worked with, projects they’re most proud of, and practice answers to common interview questions ahead of time. You may not be for everyone but you can at least give it your best shot.
2. There’s no such thing as a perfect match.
No one is perfect and no job is perfect. Even those who’ve landed their “dream job” will find everything is not as pristine as it was in their head. That doesn’t mean you should stop applying for jobs (or going on dates), it means your expectations should be realistic and reasonable. The sooner you can do this, the sooner opportunities will open up.
1. Everyone thinks they know best.
Everyone in your life will have an opinion on why you’re still single/unemployed. Many of them will offer well-intentioned but ineffectual advice on how to get a job. It is your job to nod politely and tell them, 1. Thank you but I don’t like discussing work at the dinner table 2. Thanks. I have a few things lined up and I will let you know the second I hear anything. 3. Despite my circumstance, I am happy where I’m at. I’ve learned a ton and feel more confident with each interview I go on. Can you pass the salad dressing?
How else do you think job searching is like dating? Let us know in the comments below!
Add comment