How Dating Could Be The Best Thing For Your Job Search

A few nights ago, CNBC had a special on about the billion dollar online dating industry. They followed a few couples that met online and profiled some of the major players in the online business.

As I was watching this, I couldn’t help but draw the parallel of dating to searching for a job.  Dating can be fun and frustrating all at the same time.  However there are some lessons to be learned from dating that can help you in your job search.

So if you’re getting back out there on the dating scene for the first time in a long time or looking for a different approach to your job search, here are a few tips to help you be successful in both.

First Impressions Are Everything

There’s always the debate on whether you date someone for their appearance or because of their personality.  Anyone that tells you that you are initially attracted to their personality before being physically attracted to them is lying to you.  Appearance opens the door, and the personality is what keeps you there.

As a job seeker, first impressions count!  Be on time for everything, and pay close attention to your appearance and body language.  Without event knowing it, you may disqualify yourself from an opportunity before you even get your first sentence out.

There’s Other Fish in The Sea

Whether it’s our friends, parents or family members, we’ve all heard this saying from them before.  Rejection is just a part of dating.  It doesn’t mean that you’re going to never date again.  In job searching you have to build a thick skin.  Some of you, may already have that.  There are plenty of opportunities out there.  It’s just a  matter of uncovering those opportunities.

Be Yourself

Hip hop rapper, Nas, had a line in one of his songs..”there’s only so long fake thugs can pretend.”  Meaning at some point in time the real you will get exposed.  It’s better to be exposed for who you truly are than for someone you’re not.

In dating and interviews, there’s a lot of pressure to think and sound how you think the other person wants you to sound and think.  Forget all of that, and just be you!

Trust Your Gut Instincts

Ladies, how many times have you gotten that awful feeling in the pit of your stomach that something just wasn’t right about someone that you were dating.  You chose to ignore it, only to find out later that your instincts were right all along.

There are a lot of companies that pretend to be one thing, and when you arrive they are nothing like the are advertised and the position that you applied for is no where close to what was described. Good or bad, always trust your instincts.

Take Your Time

I had a friend who would always tell me that as quickly as you rushed into that relationship is just as quick as it will end.  We all have standards, it’s better to take your time.  Take your time to find a job that you will actually enjoy, and that will bring fulfillment to your life.

They’re Just Not That Into You

Sometimes, regardless of how hard you try or what you do,  the person that you are dating may not be that interested in you. Your best bet is to cut bait, and keep it moving.  Same thing when you are searching for a job.  Don’t spend your time spinning your wheels for a company that is slow in getting back to you or doesn’t respond at all.  Time is money, and you can ill afford to waist either.  Cast a wider net, and see what else is out there.

Cheers.