Searching for a Job is like Dating
I love analogies. One analogy that is often used in the HR world is "recruiting is like dating." There are just so many similarities. But I'd like to take it a step further and note that "searching for a job is like dating." How so?
Well, to be successful in dating, you need to put in a lot of work and effort. But you also can't put too much dependence on the outcome of a conversation, date, etc. You need to be present in the moment, have fun, and if you get a number or go on a second date that's just a bonus.
Similarly, successful job seekers need to put in a lot of effort and go on a lot of "dates" with companies. But unfortunately, many job seekers put way too much dependence on the outcome of an informational interview.
I get it. You want a job. But you're not going to get a job by being all needy and clingy. So you need to practice treating informational interviews for what they are -- an informational interview. Leverage them to get more contacts. And get more "dates." The whole goal of networking is to "date" as many companies as you can.
This gives you power and choice. You will never settle for a mediocre job again because you will know you have options. And after some time, the companies you had really great "dates" with will start calling you when they have openings. Trust me, this works...
Read this great blog by David Wygant, a well-respected dating coach in L.A. who has some great transferable advice. Here's a brief excerpt: "So in dating and in all aspects of life, stop worrying about what the future holds. Stop worrying about "the big payoff" all the time and begin always being present in the moment. The more present you are, the better decisions you'll make and the richer every part of of your life will be."
Well, to be successful in dating, you need to put in a lot of work and effort. But you also can't put too much dependence on the outcome of a conversation, date, etc. You need to be present in the moment, have fun, and if you get a number or go on a second date that's just a bonus.
Similarly, successful job seekers need to put in a lot of effort and go on a lot of "dates" with companies. But unfortunately, many job seekers put way too much dependence on the outcome of an informational interview.
I get it. You want a job. But you're not going to get a job by being all needy and clingy. So you need to practice treating informational interviews for what they are -- an informational interview. Leverage them to get more contacts. And get more "dates." The whole goal of networking is to "date" as many companies as you can.
This gives you power and choice. You will never settle for a mediocre job again because you will know you have options. And after some time, the companies you had really great "dates" with will start calling you when they have openings. Trust me, this works...
Read this great blog by David Wygant, a well-respected dating coach in L.A. who has some great transferable advice. Here's a brief excerpt: "So in dating and in all aspects of life, stop worrying about what the future holds. Stop worrying about "the big payoff" all the time and begin always being present in the moment. The more present you are, the better decisions you'll make and the richer every part of of your life will be."
I recently sat in on your presentation at James Madison University today and really learned a ton about how to market yourself, leveraging technology and researching potential employers. After reading this blog, I am very interested in the informational interview and was wondering if you had a set of goals an interviewee should set to fully benefit from the informational interview?