The 5 Similarities Between Job Interviews and Dating
A job interview is like dating, or is dating like a job interview? You know where I’m going here. You sit down with a stranger for an allotted amount of time and you try to impress each other with bullshit. You spend so much time preparing for these meetings, but you’re never hitting a home run for every question or topic your potential supervisor/significant other is throwing at you. And you dwell on the interview/date afterwards. It’s frustrating.
Job interviews are a burden, for the same reason that dating can be so discouraging—you’re not going to fall in love with everyone. There’s going to be people you have an instant chemistry with, which is great because we all wish we could have that with someone. Some people you’re going to be attracted to, but you know that you have to work with them in order for the union to reach its potential. Then there are others you wish you never met.
On a date you have time to get to know one another and that leaves a lot of room for error. Still, with so much time at your disposal you get the chance to make up for any error you might make on a date. In contrast with a job interview, you aren’t given that chance. You’re either hitting on all cylinders or you’re not. So here are five similarities of dating and job interviews.
The Initial Meeting
If it doesn’t begin well, it won’t end well. Everything has to be perfect–the handshake, the eye contact, and the smile. If you screw this up, time will move at a pace that could drive a snail to scream, catch up!
The Selling Point
If you haven’t fallen on your face during the first stage, you’re doing well. The Selling Point is where we separate the big boys and girls from the little ones, so stay alert. Remember not to panic when you hear these four scary words: Tell me about yourself. Try not to put your foot in your mouth by saying something offensive or creepy, because the truth and creepiness scares people. Small details and opinions are your enemy. Let me repeat myself: They are your enemy! A good indicator that things are going well between you and the other person is through laughter. Nervous laughter is bad. Booming laughter is great.
The Decision
A decision has been made soon after the Selling Point stage. The Decision stage is where those who have fallen on their face can make a late rally. It’s also the stage where those that are thriving are either adding to their potential or are chipping away at it. If you can read between the lines of the conversation you can determine where you stand. The hard stage is over and this is where you conclude the selling point. Bring it home!
The Awkward Silence
This is the trick stage. There is a lot room for error, because you want to get extra credit with more conversation. Yes, I know, you want to get an extra laugh in for more points, but fight that temptation. Don’t get too comfortable and remain tactful. Short and sweet statements are your friend.
The Departure
This is just as important as the Initial Meeting. There’s not as much pressure at this point. You can play it casual (try to get laid) or keep it strictly professional (keep your pants on and plan a second date).
Do you have any more similarities between job interviews and dating?
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