The obvious goal of dating and interviewing is to make match. A match that meets the interests, and needs of both sides of the relationship. Quickly, I’ll take a look at each step of the hiring process, and make an attempt to point out how its not unlike dating…to a certain extent. Don’t take it too seriously, just something fun for your lunch hour!
Meeting the candidate/date - Left is the interview related side, while the right will be its similar point in dating.
- Employee referral —————————————> Set up by a mutual friend
- Company website/online advertisements ——> Online dating
- Linkedin —————————————————> Facebook/MySpace
- Job fair —————————————————–> Speed dating
- Networking event ————————————–> At the bar
- Family business —————————————-> High school sweet hearts
- College recruiting ————————————–> Fraternity party
- Walk-in applicant ————————————–> Creepy
The first phone call – Depending on which side you sit, you may wonder when’s the best time to call, or when/if you’ll receive that first phone call. In today’s interviewing and dating world, the first contact is usually by email. Email is easy for both sides, but still important to leave a nice first impression. Both sides are ALWAYS SELLING what they offer during the initial contact! Once the first, and maybe second communication points are through, then one, or both sides will wait to hear if a meeting will occur.
The interview/dating begins – Again I’ll put the interview related information on the left and toss the dating points on the right.
- “Your interview is at 8″——————> “I’ll pick you up at 8″
- On-site interview ————————–> Dinner at the Cheesecake Factory
- Second interview —————————> Meeting his/her friends
- Drug and background check ———–> Meeting his/her parents
- Making a job offer ————————-> Making it more serious
- Pull resume off Monster ————–> “…..is in a relationship” on Facebook
I’m going to stop myself. This could go on for some time if I begin comparing the downfalls of a relationship and how that matches up nicely to a terminated employee. If you take anything away from this, please realize the goal of an interview is to get a second interview, or make it to the next step in the process. This is your goal, even if the company or position isn’t all too attractive. Options are your friend, and you shouldn’t close any doors. Just like in dating, who doesn’t want options?
Cheers
{ 11 comments… read them below or add one }
LOVE THIS ARTICLE!
Rich, i love this! :]
rich-
you’re brilliant.
I love the article. But from the hiring manager’s perspective, interviewing is like dating because the candidate will never be more interested in pleasing them (than on the date or interview). So what they observe there will only go down hill once married (or hired).
For example, if you leave the lid off the toothpaste while dating, you will absolutely leave it off when married.
And if you fail to prepare for the interview, you will always fail to prepare for the sales call.
Do you agree?
Funny! I like this post. It got me thinking that there may be something more to the “dating” analogy. If the goal is to get that second interview/ (date) are you in essence getting the hiring manager or HR staffer to fall in love with you, more or less? Odd and maybe creepy, but that’s the thinking! And since interviews are good ways to find out if the company is a good fit for you (by asking questions, not just responding to them), you’re both sort of “dating” each other, seeing if it’s a good match.
I think that in the age of online matchmaking, more employers and career seekers aren’t utilizing video to “court” their potential candidates / employers.
So, if I got my first real job by just walking in to a theater and handing over my resume, does that make me the creepy guy? Or does it just mean that the theater industry is like the girl who like creepy guys?
Oh man.. so much room to continue with this one!
I know, right? This was a fun one. While it’s not completely dead on, it’s still has some dead on similarities.
That last point is the best:
Pull resume off Monster ————–> “…..is in a relationship” on Facebook
Thanks for the comment Patrice!
Peggy, I absolutely agree, and I appreciate your comment.
Interview preparation is crucial for every job seeker, not just those who are early in their career. Experienced interviewers, hiring managers, and recruiters can easily point out which candidates haven’t spent quality time preparing. In my opinion, not preparing for an interview can paint a picture that says you simply don’t care about the job or company. It’s a quick way to find a rejection letter.
On a date, when you fail to show interest in that person, you most likely won’t receive a second date.
Thanks for bringing up the hiring managers perspective. Look forward to hearing more from you in the future.
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