Have you been out of a job for a long time now? Are you looking to land a dream job really soon? Don’t worry! Resume Valley will help you out with this. But first, you have to believe us when we tell you that job hunting is a lot like dating – or at least looking to get one.
Still need convincing? Here are 10 reasons why dating and job searching practically have the same rules. Don’t worry; there will be an abundance of tips as well.
- Be realistic. “Tall, dark, handsome, rich, great sense of humor, gentleman.” Sure that criteria are every woman’s fantasy. But what are the chances of you actually getting all that rolled into one person? Just like with looking for possible employers; be picky, but not too picky. What does that mean? If you have no standards, then any company and job offer will do. You might be selling yourself short. But if your criteria are almost impossible to meet, then no offer might ever be good enough.
- Chemistry. We all know that in order for a relationship to work out, chemistry is a vital ingredient. In a professional setting, chemistry is very much needed. We like to call this, “employee-company match.” Your talent, goals, culture, vision, experience, must coincide with those of a possible employer. Just think, “Similarity breeds success.”
- Dating is networking. Socializing is important in both the dating and corporate world. You get to know each other, get introduced to each other’s’ connections, and expand your network. This applies to both the physical and digital world. Connect, connect, and connect.
- Don’t be desperate. You ever heard of the saying, “Women can smell desperation from a mile away”? Job hunters are like that too. Avoid it! It’s not good to look at and will have the unintended effect. Employers might even give you the short end of a stick if they feel like you’re going to agree with everything. Remember, “Be desirable, not desperate.”
- Leave your Ex out of it. What’s the biggest no-no when on a date? Rehashing past relationships, especially on a bitter note. Do not ever – we repeat – Do. Not. Ever. talk about your previous employers unless asked. Bad mouthing them will not help your cause whatsoever.
- Look beyond appearances. Be more perceptive and don’t let looks fool you. We’re not just talking about a single person here; we’re talking about the company in general. They might be putting on a front to make you want to work for them, and once you take the bite, it’s off with the masks and out with the fangs. It’s not all about the looks.
- Play hard to get. Just because you’re having a splendid time does not mean that you should give in just yet. Make your employers want you more. Show them what you can do, but leave them curious and eager to know and see more. Play your cards right with this one.
- Be yourself. Don’t pretend to be someone else just so you can please your “date”. Sure you should show them your best qualities, but it doesn’t mean that you have to change your beliefs, opinions, or yourself in general just so you can fit in their standards.
- Be on your best behavior. Being yourself is important, but that doesn’t mean you can act like a Neanderthal. Proper etiquette and class can get you places. Be polite, and don’t be a chatty Cathy. You have two ears and one mouth for a reason. You can talk, but you should listen twice as much.
- Go with the flow. Nothing is completely predictable. You don’t know what to expect so you have to be flexible. Be open to more opportunities and tests even if they are out of your comfort zone. Expand your horizon.
- Learn to let go. You might have had a really good time, shared some laughs, and you might’ve seen potential. But then you didn’t hear from them again. It’s okay. 3 points you have to remember here:
°Send them a Thank You note to show them your appreciation for their time.
°Don’t force a connection that isn’t there.
°Don’t be a stalker.
Sometimes things just don’t work out and you have to move on to greener pastures. Do you believe us now? If you’re rusty in the dating – working – scene and is concerned about the employment gap in resume of yours, don’t fret.
If you want that dream job badly, let a professional writer work around the employment gap on your resume! This will save time and guarantee an interview!
Sources: Careerealism, Job-hunt, Mashable, U.S. News Money, Huffington Post
