6 ways jobseeking and dating are basically the same thing
If enough is going right in your life that you’re lucky enough to have Tinder and LinkedIn Jobs as your most used apps, you’re likely to find the similarities between jobseeking and dating all too familiar. In both cases, the odds are that you’ll find The One eventually, but in the process leading up to that point the cycle of hope, rejection, frustration and slight feelings of hope again can feel very, very similar.
So, tell me about yourself
As the number of ‘getting to know you’ conversations with potential dates or cover letters and personal statements sent to potential employers start to stack up, you can start to feel that if you have to talk about your love for country walks and cheese / strengths in developing stakeholder relationships one more time you’ll start to sound like Theresa May sincerely stating that the UK will be leaving the EU on March 29th for the 108th time. Dating while interviewing for jobs? You’ll soon realise that one has to go on hold when you become at serious risk of telling Tuesday’s date about the way you brought the team together to deliver that amazing project and Wednesday’s interviewer that you know this great bar round the corner if they want to go somewhere after.
Not quite what I expected from the profile
The guy who loves to travel (well, he thinks he might like to but he would have to get a passport if it was the sort of travelling that means leaving the country), the one who seems so mature for 28 (because he’s 43), the company who are so proud of their flexible working policy (for which you have to fill in forms in triplicate to be allowed to leave half an hour early every other Wednesday), the ‘competitive’ salary (which actually means that it’s the same as what you’d get for winning the egg and spoon race). Sometimes, it’s really not what it says on the tin.
You think that’s cool but actually…
Something catches your eye — looks promising! Then, ah, no. The next picture is the drugged tiger/I caught a big fish (side note, has anyone else noticed this as the difference between in and out of London dating profiles or is it just me?), there’s a distinct lack of punctuation in the profile and you’re looking at someone who wants to find a great girl he can have great bantz with and treat like a princess because he knows that’s what all you ladies want (apologies for offending if that’s what you actually do want but at least that means you’re in luck, there’s loads of them to choose from!). In the job ad world, this is the company with the made up job title that can’t quite tell you what your pension contribution might be but would like you to know about the branded slippers you’ll get to wear around the office.
We got on so well, why haven’t they called?
Ghosting. We’re familiar with the idea when it comes to dates; the compulsive checking of your phone just in case, making the decision that you weren’t that into them anyway only for each new message ping to renew hope before it turns out to be from your friendly local pizza place / your mum asking if you’ve heard back from them and ultimately the dejected realisation and frustration that you put all that effort in to be your best self and you don’t even get the effort of a thanks but no thanks back… Yeah, that would be the same when it comes to not hearing back from an interview or an application too.
Sorry, I’m just not that into you
While you’re on edge waiting to hear from the one you really want, it’s generally a rule that you’ll be hearing a little too much from the ones you don’t. For the guy you just didn’t click with who really thinks he deserves another chance, read the recruitment agency who have your CV right there yet have just sent another email with a fantastic opportunity in something totally unrelated to what you’re actually qualified to do.
They like me, they really like me!
Despite the frustrations that occur (and reoccur) with repeated dates and repeated interviews, it’s usually worth it in the end (and if not, then you know what to expect when you get back on it!). Whether looking for a relationship or a job, when you get to the point where the one that you want is also the one that wants you, it’s a pretty good feeling.
