How Job Searching Is a Lot Like Dating

How Job Searching Is a Lot Like DatingHow Job Searching Is a Lot Like DatingTake a minute to picture a first date youve been on. You were probably a little anxious and jittery. You likely made your initial introductions, enjoyed a little polite small talk, hoped it welches a good match, and approached the rest of the conversation with an even mix of hesitation and optimism.Now, think about your last job interview. Are there more than a few similarities you can pull out of the two experiences?Probably. Why? Well, when you boil it down, searching for a new job can closely mimic what its like to look for your next serious relationship.Here are six different ways that job searching is a lot like dating1. Youre nervous.Your stomach does flips. Your mouth gets dry. You envision all of the worst-case scenarios and exactly how youd manage to recover from them. Lets face it- both job interviews and first dates can be a little uncomfortable, which means a hefty dose of nerves and anxious feeli ngs are expected.Youre likely concerned with making the best impression and sending the right message about who you are as a person. And, understandably, that inspires plenty of jitters.2. Youre concerned with first impressions.Speaking of impressions, theyre a relatable concern in both the dating scene and the job search. You only get one chance to make a first impression, and- in both of these scenarios- you want it to be a good one.Whether its proving youre the best fit for an open position or demonstrating that a couple hours spent on a dinner date with you isnt a total waste of time, both situations will make you tread a little more carefully when it comes to how you present yourself.3. You have specific things youre looking for.Whether you enter into an employer relationship or a romantic relationship, you likely have a couple of different boxes that youre hoping to check off.Perhaps you want a flexible work environment, supportive leadership, and plenty of room for growth in your next role. Well, thats not all that different from how youre looking for a sense of humor or a passion for the outdoors in your next romantic partner. Either way, its totally normal to have a roster of qualifications and requirements that youre aiming to fulfill.4. Youll have good experiences and bad experiences.Have you ever been on an awful date- where the awkward pauses seemed to stretch on forever and you did your very best to avoid too much eye contact? Unfortunately, you can also likely recall a job interview that was strikingly similar.In both dating and your job search, you win some and you lose some. Not every first meeting or conversation will go off without a hitch. Youll have some great and effortless exchanges, and some that make your palms sweat and your voice shake. But, the important thing is to pick yourself up, dust yourself off, and keep moving forward.5. Youre worried about rejection.Sigh, rejection. You knew it had to appear here somewhere. Its a real and j ustifiable fear, whether youre looking for your next gig or your next romantic partner. Nobody enjoys getting shot down. However, when youre actively putting yourself out there, its bound to happen every now and then.So, dont let your fear of being told no freeze you in your tracks. Just keep putting one foot in front of the other and eventually youll find the right fit for you- whether its in your professional life or your love life.6. You have to trust your gut.They say that when you know, you know. And, that sentiment doesnt just hold true for your romantic interests- it also holds some water in your career.In both scenarios, its important to listen to your intuition. If something seems off or far too good to be true? Well, chances are, it just might be.Theres nothing wrong with being a little bit picky and moving on when something doesnt suit your interests anymore. After all, if you dont look out for you, nobody else will.For better or for worse, job searching can closely resem ble dating. However, the important thing to remember is that- similarly to your love life- you dont need to commit yourself to something if its no longer working for you.Would you propose marriage in a relationship that was obviously falling apart? Probably not. So, if you start to feel like something isnt quite matching up in your career, dont hesitate to get out there and explore your options.Start Your Job Search