Job Hunting = Dating

Resources if you're having trouble landing a first or second interview

This is part of a 7-day series as part of The Tech Progressive.

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Job hunting = Dating

Am I wrong?

And just like with dating, looking for a job is a two-way street.

You have to be interested in the other person (company) and they have to be interested in you.

Given that they are similar concepts, it makes sense that they follow similar processes. Let’s be honest, a HUGE majority of people meet their s/o on an app (I did!), so I’m going to compare the experience of setting up a profile to a committed partnership to applying and landing a job.

For those who haven’t been lucky enough (lol) to use an app, here’s how it works:

1. Download desired app from the app store

2. Create a login + Build profile

3. Match

4. Message

5. 1st date

6. 2nd date (plus a few more)

7. Make it official

For interviews, the process is similar:

1. Search for jobs on the interwebs

2. Tweak your resume to match the job description keywords

3. Submit your resume and information

4. Get an email to set up your first interview

5. Go on the first interview

6. Depending on the feedback, either move on to the next round or try a different company

7. Secure a job

Now that you have an understanding of what the processes look like, why does it matter?

Because, while you cannot force someone to date you — consent matters — you can do things to sift through the weeds quicker to make yourself more presentable to potential suitors (companies) and find matches faster.

For instance, on your dating profile, you can mention certain key features about yourself, height, interests, and where you went to school. These are also called signaling factors. They are a way for you to let others know what you’re interested in so they can make a quick analysis (sometimes incorrect, but that’s part of being human) about what you value in order to form an opinion as to whether you two would get along.

With jobs, this is where your resume comes into play. If you can’t seem to land interviews or get past the first interview, this is where you’ll need some help.

Career Coaches

Having trouble landing a second interview? Or need help negotiating your salary? Whatever it may be, there are tons of people on the internet who’ve made their career out of helping people just like you find and land jobs! I’ve included some people below for you to check out. They range from simply offering resume advice to full-on coaching packages. 

• Austin Belcak

• Katelyn Richards

• Bob McIntosh

• Jerry Lee

• Ray Hertanto

Advice + Resume Builders

The job application process can be very stressful and lonely, but there are two shining lights 1. It doesn’t last forever 2. There are solutions to make it easier. Technology has enabled people to create solutions to their problems. And since the job application process is a common pain point for millions of people, there are resources on resources available for you. 

If you did not know, a lot of companies use artificial intelligence (AI) to help them sift through the resumes based on the requirements that they put in. It’s important to know this because you may be semi-qualified, but if you don’t have words that match up correctly from the job description, then you’ll automatically be disqualified. For this reason, it’s important to use the job description as your key. Place the words directly in your resume. Use numbers and metrics. Use action verbs (185 words to use). Run your resume through Jobscan to analyze your resume versus the job description and learn where you need to improve before submitting your resume. 

• Wonsulting

• Cultivated Culture

• Resume Genius

• Resume.com

• Jobscan

• VMock

• TalkHiring

Remember, to beat the game, you have to play the game.