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Finding the Right Match
How Dating Lessons Can Apply to Your Job Search


If you're in the middle of a job search, a change of perspective might help you gain the edge you need to secure a new opportunity. One approach to consider: Think of the process like dating.
From wooing a potential employer to the nervousness of the first face-to-face meeting, dating and searching for a job may have more in common than you think. Here are a few similarities between the two and what you can learn from them:

Play the odds. Much like dating, the job search is a numbers game. The more you "advertise" yourself, the better your chances of finding a match. Tell everyone you know when hunting for a new position. Also, consider where you can meet new contacts. That includes many of the same places you might look for a date, like the gym, grocery store or even at your dentist's office. You never know where you will meet someone who could assist you.

And don't forget about the Web. In a survey by our company, nearly two-thirds of executives said professional networking sites -- such as LinkedIn -- will prove useful in their recruiting efforts over the next three years.

Don't be afraid to follow up. One of the biggest hurdles daters face is knowing when to follow up with someone they just met. The same thought may go through your head once you submit your resume to a potential employer. Instead of allowing yourself to get tied up in knots, be proactive.

According to another survey by our company, 82 percent of executives polled said that job seekers should contact hiring managers within two weeks of submitting application materials. By doing so, you'll be able to reaffirm your interest in the position and judge your status.

Put your best foot forward. For all intents and purposes, an interview is a first date. You're trying to impress a hiring manager and convince him or her to see you again. By arriving to the interview ahead of time, dressing in a professional manner and having thought about your answers to typical questions, you can show the person that you're serious about the position and are a strong candidate.

Most importantly, like dating advice you've probably received in the past, the best strategy is to be yourself. Disguising your personality won't help you -- or the hiring manager -- determine if the opportunity is right for you.

Assess the other party. Part of your mission while on a date is getting a sense of what that the other person is like. The same is true of a job interview. Research the firm ahead of time so you can come with questions about the company, its culture and the position. For example, what is the firm's long-term outlook? How common is it for employees to work on the weekend? What are the growth prospects like? The hiring manager's answers will help you identify any incompatibilities or determine that you've found the right match.

A final word of advice, whether you're looking for your soul mate or a job: Keep a positive attitude. Both searches can prove frustrating and take longer than you expect. But it's worth the time and effort when you find the right match.


The Creative Group is a specialized staffing service placing creative, advertising, marketing and web professionals with a variety of firms on a project basis. For more information, visit creativegroup.com.