Quick question. What’s something you do using your gadgets that requires a well-written profile, has a lot of competition, and is often frustrating?
If you answered job hunting or online dating, congratulations, you got it right! Wait, what?
Believe it or not, there are many similarities between applying for online jobs and getting a date online. So much so that you can use your dating skills in job hunting. At least if you have them, that is…
If you want to celebrate Valentine’s Day by finally landing an online job, here’s how you can augment your job-hunting skills with your dating skills.
Make a Great First Impression With the Right Profile Picture.
The first thing your prospective date and employer will see when looking at your profile is your profile picture. If you don’t want them to swipe left, you’d better ensure that your profile picture is great, right?
You want your profile picture to look professional, so avoid using selfies as profile pictures. It’s unprofessional and can be a significant turnoff for employers.
A simple headshot with a plain background while you’re wearing office-appropriate attire is much better.
And although it’s tempting, avoid using photoshop to make too many improvements to your profile picture.
Besides being a time-consuming process (depending on how much of your face needs editing), doing so can be considered as deceiving your employers.
Construct an Eye Catching Resume.
Another way you can apply your dating skills to job hunting is when you’re making your resume.
There are many similarities between creating a dating profile and crafting a resume. They’re both meant to highlight why the viewer should consider you a potential employee/partner. In addition, both require honesty on your part, although many don’t exactly exhibit this.
Resumes and dating profiles even abide by the same rules when it comes to crafting them. Both should be concise, polished, and present you in the best possible light. I know, for some of us, this could be hard…
So, your resume should include your educational background, career highlights, current skill set, and other relevant information about the job you’re applying for.
That said, one significant difference between the two is contact information. You never put your contact information in your dating profile for practical and safety reasons.
However, you need to include your contact information on your resume – so your employer knows how to contact you for an interview.
Utilize Filters in Your Job Hunt.
There’s nothing wrong with having preferences (at least when you’re not ugly, according to some people). It helps you better find the perfect job/person for you.
So before you begin your job hunt, it is essential to determine your filters. This could be the starting salary, position, responsibilities, or the kind of company you’ll be working for.
Most job and online dating sites have this option, so why not use it? Of course, if you’re looking for the right job site to help you find the perfect job, you know where to go.
Ask Yourself: “Do You Match Your Own Filters?”
While having filters for others is great, don’t forget to objectively assess whether you match your own standards. This is another of the dating skills you can use when job hunting.
If you keep looking for a ten, but you’re a seven yourself (if we’re being generous), you’re probably not going to find the right one for you. Likewise, if you’re looking for an expert-level salary but barely have entry-level skills, don’t expect to get anywhere.
Setting reasonable filters when job hunting allows you to find the job best suited for you. Once you’ve gained enough experience, you can adjust your filters to suit what you’ve always wanted.
Patience is a Virtue.
After you’ve sent your application/first message comes the challenging part: the wait.
“What if they don’t respond?” “Did I come off as too presumptuous in my email?” These are just some of the questions that may appear in your mind during these anxiety-filled days.
But before you panic, remember that if you present yourself as best you can to them, there’s nothing to worry about. If they accept your request, that’s great!
If not, don’t be discouraged. There is always a next time, so long as you keep your chin up and try again. If needed, you can try following up on your application.
Dress to Impress.
A significant part of making a great first impression during an online date and interview is dressing well. And even though these are usually done online nowadays, dressing up in your professional attire shows you mean business.
Can you imagine going on a video call with perhaps the love of your life for the first time, then they show up disheveled? How would you feel? I know I’d immediately leave the call.
Besides wearing the appropriate outfit, ensure that you’re also well-groomed before going to the interview. You may come wearing a suit, but if you look like Santa’s scruffier cousin, good luck.
Never Insult Your Past Employers.
If there’s one thing both your potential employer and date would hate, it’s people who badmouth their exes.
Think about it, if you’re able to talk negatively about your previous workplace, what would you say about them once you leave the company?
So, if your potential employer/partner asks you about your previous employer/relationships, be as neutral and as objective as possible. You can also discuss what you’ve learned from these previous experiences instead.
Be Prepared to Face Rejection.
Sometimes, you’re just not meant to be… either with the person you’re dating or your potential employer.
Rejection is a natural part of the application process. I know it hurts, but you must accept your potential employer’s/partner’s decision and move on. Wallowing will only hurt you and prevent you from seeking newer and better opportunities.
When this happens, don’t forget to thank your interviewer for the opportunity. Who knows? Maybe losing this opportunity will help open up a better one for you soon.
All’s Fair in Love and… Work?
Finding work (and love) today has become so similar lately that they’re almost interchangeable.
And as you can see from my points above, you can even use your dating skills in job hunting now. I hope these will help you finally get the job or person of your dreams this upcoming Valentine’s Day.
If you’re looking for the perfect partner to help you get an online job, Remote Staff is here for you. Our jobs list contains various positions you can apply for, such as virtual assistant jobs or data entry jobs. Good luck, and happy Valentine’s Day!
