You’re on the hunt… ready and searching, but for what? I never really thought about searching for a job being like dating but, oddly enough, there are many similarities. For most of us, job hunting is a means to an end. In that sense, it’s kind of like dating. People typically date to find someone and to get married, there’s an end goal. (Typically.) When you are searching for a job to get hired you also usually have an end goal, right?! To get hired-- preferably in a position that is both lucrative and enjoyable. There are five main areas where job-hunting and dating cross territory. Try thinking about each area as a way to become more comfortable in your job hunt (or dating life) and make small changes in your life to make each more impactful on your search.
Prospecting, or Networking.
In job-hunting and in dating, you meet a lot of new people. Sometimes the meetings are pleasant and even uplifting. Sometimes...not so much! You never know until you get there. Facing each new meeting or introduction as an opportunity to not only meet a potential suitor, but also to grow and learn, allows you to continue your process, even if that meeting wasn’t fulfilling.
The Importance of Making a Lasting First Impression.
Whenever we are going to meet someone new, or have an important meeting, we, as people, tend to focus on what we look like. And, while it is important to dress the part for the situation you are finding yourself in, it is often more important to focus on how you will act, what you will say/do, and even how you will connect to the person you are meeting. The key to dressing and acting the part is to understand the person you are meeting and the situation you will be in. Then, planning to listen intently, respond appropriately, handle rejection with poise, and remain resilient.
Listening Appropriately.
In job-hunting, sitting in the interview room can feel a little like being on a speed date. You're trying to pay attention to the conversation, and listen carefully for important information and clues, while also staying very aware of the words coming out of your own mouth. You are answering and asking questions that are appropriate to the situation. Something that, if not prepared for, can get the best of us!
Rejection.
It happens. So much of the job-hunting process involves hearing the words, "thanks, but no thanks" or worse yet, sitting by the proverbial phone and getting no feedback at all. This happens in dating as well. We meet someone who piques our interest, everything seems to be going well, go on a date or two and then BAM! - nothing. Should we hound the recruiter or our date for reasons why they weren’t interested, or simply chalk it up to a lesson learned and keep moving forward?
Resilience.
Resilience is more important than almost any quality. Don’t give up. Take a moment and think about the happiest, most successful people you know. What do they have in common? Both at work and in their personal lives, they bounce back. They may be dealt a crummy card, but they overcome and move forward.
When it comes to dating or building your career, one of the most important things you can be is resilient. You must be able to get up when life knocks you down and keep pushing forward.
Also, resilience can help lead you to confidence, strength, and happiness. These are attractive traits for hiring managers and everyone else around you!
Written by: Alexandra O'Neil, Communications Manager
Prospecting, or Networking.
In job-hunting and in dating, you meet a lot of new people. Sometimes the meetings are pleasant and even uplifting. Sometimes...not so much! You never know until you get there. Facing each new meeting or introduction as an opportunity to not only meet a potential suitor, but also to grow and learn, allows you to continue your process, even if that meeting wasn’t fulfilling.
The Importance of Making a Lasting First Impression.
Whenever we are going to meet someone new, or have an important meeting, we, as people, tend to focus on what we look like. And, while it is important to dress the part for the situation you are finding yourself in, it is often more important to focus on how you will act, what you will say/do, and even how you will connect to the person you are meeting. The key to dressing and acting the part is to understand the person you are meeting and the situation you will be in. Then, planning to listen intently, respond appropriately, handle rejection with poise, and remain resilient.
Listening Appropriately.
In job-hunting, sitting in the interview room can feel a little like being on a speed date. You're trying to pay attention to the conversation, and listen carefully for important information and clues, while also staying very aware of the words coming out of your own mouth. You are answering and asking questions that are appropriate to the situation. Something that, if not prepared for, can get the best of us!
Rejection.
It happens. So much of the job-hunting process involves hearing the words, "thanks, but no thanks" or worse yet, sitting by the proverbial phone and getting no feedback at all. This happens in dating as well. We meet someone who piques our interest, everything seems to be going well, go on a date or two and then BAM! - nothing. Should we hound the recruiter or our date for reasons why they weren’t interested, or simply chalk it up to a lesson learned and keep moving forward?
Resilience.
Resilience is more important than almost any quality. Don’t give up. Take a moment and think about the happiest, most successful people you know. What do they have in common? Both at work and in their personal lives, they bounce back. They may be dealt a crummy card, but they overcome and move forward.
When it comes to dating or building your career, one of the most important things you can be is resilient. You must be able to get up when life knocks you down and keep pushing forward.
Also, resilience can help lead you to confidence, strength, and happiness. These are attractive traits for hiring managers and everyone else around you!
Written by: Alexandra O'Neil, Communications Manager
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