Dating is like a job search, and a job search is like dating
There are amazing parallels between a job search and dating:
You see an ad for Accenture* online. You like what Accenture has to offer, and think that you might be a good fit based on a few surface qualifications. You offer up your contact information, and Accenture calls to set up a time to meet.
You then put on your nicest outfit, make lots of eye contact, smile, and be your usual charming self. Accenture asks you questions, you ask Accenture questions. You all get a feel for each other, and you are either interested in learning more, or you’re not.
In the second meeting, you have a chance to learn more about Accenture. What are Accenture’s vacation plans? What about culture? What are the benefits of a relationship with Accenture?
Then, the infamous third interview. You’re either offered “the job†or not.
But as much as there are similarities, there are notable differences.
I mean, if Accenture doesn’t call you back, you don’t sit and beat yourself up about it. “Maybe Accenture thinks I’m too fat! Or I bet it’s that I talked about my last job too much. Damn it, what if I never find another Accenture!?”
And the thing is that there is always another Accenture. It’s much easier for us to think that we’ll never find another mate again than it would be for us to accept that we will never find another job.
Now, only if there was someone who could check references on your behalf: How long have you known Accenture? Did you find Accenture easy to work with? How was Accenture’s punctuality?
*Just an example, sweeties. Accenture is the one place I haven’t worked. Yet. I’m still reading their horoscope for the right day to make my move. I’m also now shopping at Accenture’s grocery store, hoping that we run into each other in the produce section.
October 29th, 2006 at 7:02 pm
Great post. I never thought of dating that way. But, you are right. It is a job interview. You fill out an application, go to an interview, hopfully get called for a second interview and then get hired! A lot of work for a short time romance!
December 6th, 2006 at 3:04 pm
The interview process is key to finding a great personal relationship. Without a solid interview, you do not really know what you are getting. My father once told me when he interviewed a prospect for his company, he took them out to lunch. Before they started eating he would watch the person to see if they salted their meal before tasting it. My fathers reasoning was that the chief could have put loads of salt in while cooking. A bright person would want to discover whether that is the case or not. I think finding a successful date should be along those lines.
December 23rd, 2006 at 9:15 am
Nice post, it was an excellent read.
- Jeremiah