Dating and searching for your ideal job are more similar than you think. From trusting your gut and the butterflies at the beginning to that heart-wrenching redundancy feeling a bit like that breakup you had last year. Unsurprisingly, much of the advice for your dating life can also be applied to your job search!  

 

1.  Put yourself out there

You must be proactive in creating your own opportunities sometimes. It’s pretty rare that you’ll get asked for many dates or interviews if you don’t tell people that you’re available.  

Much like a romantic matchmaking service, if you’re out there looking for a new career, we encourage you to register your free account and upload your CV, create a career profile and save jobs to increase your chances of being headhunted. 

Whilst you’re on your phone updating your Tinder profile, why not jump onto your LinkedIn profile and update that too? 

 

2. First introduction nerves 

One of the most stressful aspects is in the preparation, with those butterflies in your stomach. We ask ourselves, “What am I going to wear?”, “Will I make a good first impression?”.  

First thing’s first, be punctual. Don’t stand up your date or potential employer, do the decent thing and let them know you’re not going to make it. Arriving even fashionably late to a date or interview can give off the impression that you aren’t really that interested or worse, you don’t consider their time valuable.  

You’ve heard the old expression “dress for the job you want”. While that may be true and is certainly important to dress professionally, it’s equally important to add your own flair and not lose your personality by pretending to be someone you’re not. Authenticity first.  Do a bit of business stalking online and get a sense of what your peers are wearing.  We, of course, don’t condone stalking your potential partner, but a little glance at Facebook can’t hurt.  

  

3.  Is it a match?

Much like how a date is finding out if they are the right match for you, a job interview is equally about discovering if the company is the right match for you, as you are to it.  

Just like in your romantic life, you should never settle for an employer that isn’t compatible with your goals and values. Do your research on the company and what they stand for. Be honest with yourself about what you really value as must-haves in your new role and ask yourself, “Is this the right match for me?” 

  

4.  Be clear about what you want

One of the most dreaded interview questions is always, “Where do you see yourself in 5 years’ time?”, which can be closely compared to ‘the talk’ in dating where you’re asked, “What are you looking for?”.  

As intimidating as these questions may feel, neither are trick questions! Be honest with yourself and the person asking the question. Are you looking for some temporary work or a long-term career change? Are you looking for a serious relationship or are you recently out of a long-term relationship and just looking to meet new people?  

Whatever you want, make your intentions clear and be honest.