Dating Strategies to Apply to Your Job Search
7 Dating Skills That Could Land You Your Dream Job
If you haven’t looked for a job in a while, you might feel like you're out of practice and don’t know the best approach. There are job sites, social media platforms, working with recruiters, new resume styles, video interviews, and a lot of competition from fellow job seekers. So how can you be sure you stand out (in a good way!), and find your best career match?
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One idea is to think of your job search the same way you that you approach online dating. From creating the perfect profile to saying the right thing to selecting an ideal mate, online dating and job searching are not all that different. Take a look:
Use the Right Profile Pic
Job recruiters and hiring managers, much like prospective dates, are going to go straight to your online profile pages to try to get a sense of who you are as a person. But first things first, they’re going to check out your profile photo.
“For job seekers, selfies need not apply,” says Ruben Moreno, who heads up the HR executive search practice of Blue Rock Search Group, a member of the Sanford Rose Associates network of offices. So if your current LinkedIn profile photo involves you sitting in your car or a reflection in a bathroom mirror, don’t be surprised if recruiters are “swiping left,” he says.
Instead, invest the time to have a professional headshot taken, something with a non-distracting background. “Remember, this is a first impression pic, not a “let me wow you with my creativity and get the job pic,’” says Moreno.
Customize Your Pickup Lines
You can‘t use the same tired old lines on every prospect. You have to show a potential mate (or prospective employer) that you’re actually interested in them.
“Take the time to tailor your application materials to each role and you’ll be more likely to hear back,” says Luke Stratmann, metro market manager at global staffing firm Robert Half. In other words, don’t just say you want to “hook up.” Describe the value that you will bring to the employer based on the unique role that employer is trying to fill.
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Craft a Strong Bio
Just as dating profile summaries can make or break you, it’s also important to come up with a succinct elevator pitch (a version of which can also be used in your resume professional summary or on your LinkedIn page), says Moreno.
“Tell me why I should I call you and/or spend more time talking to you,” he advises. Be sure to include a key accomplishment with tangible results if possible. “It’s the difference between ‘I was a strategic member of the global strategy team’ and ‘As a project team leader of the new business growth team, I helped deliver 25 percent year over year growth in non-organic sales,’” says Moreno.
Don’t Bad-Mouth ‘Exes’
Talking negatively about past employers or bosses can be a big red flag to a hiring manager or recruiter, says Luke, just as dissing your exes would be a turnoff to a potential new flame. “Employers may be left wondering what’s on the other side of your story, and worse, how you’ll talk about them in the future,” says Stratmann.
If past relationships come up in conversation (or during your job interview), try to reframe the more challenging ones in a positive light. Worst case, you can just chalk up a past work breakup to having different values.
Get Matchmaking Help
You want to cast a wide net when you’re hoping to meet your match, which is why there are so many different dating sites. But you might also meet someone by attending an in-person speed dating event, or better yet, be set up by a mutual friend.
The same goes for finding a job. Take advantage of the many tools and platforms available to you, but if you’re not having any luck, seek professional help. Advises Stratmann: “Connect with a specialized staffing professional who can leverage their expansive network to identify positions that complement your skills, experience, and work style.”
Avoid Getting Ghosted
It can be so frustrating to have what you think is a great first date only to never hear from the person again. Job seekers can definitely relate. So what can you do to try to ensure that you get some closure? “If you felt the interview went well but haven’t heard back, be proactive about following up to reiterate your interest,” says Stratmann. You should also ask about the anticipated timeline for the hiring process right from the start so you aren’t left in the dark.
Unfortunately, some unions aren’t meant to be, so don’t get hung up on what could have been if weeks go by with no next steps or offer. Just get right back to your search.
Handle Rejection With Grace
Sometimes the feelings just aren’t mutual, so a prospective partner will let you know that it’s not going to work out. The same is true sometimes after going deep into the interview process. “Getting turned down for a position can feel like a sucker punch, but it’s important to keep your cool,” says Stratmann. Thank the hiring manager for considering you, and let them know you enjoyed learning about the company and team.
You never know; another opportunity may arise or you may cross paths in the future. If so, you’ll be glad that you left the relationship on a positive note.
Just as you (hopefully) wouldn’t showcase a photo of yourself wearing stuck-in-the-’90s parachute pants, you want to make sure your career profile is fresh and features your most “dateable” skills, accomplishments, and accolades. By putting as much effort into your job search as you do for online dating, you’ll be on your way to finding your perfect career match.
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