Is Job Hunting Like Online Dating?
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With more than 36,000 postal offices closing resulting in up to 100,000 postal workers losing jobs, how are these good candidates a match for specific positions? In job hunting, individuals and companies earnestly desire a match and you will want to identify your ‘match-factors’ for a longer term fit.



Job hunters in the midst of the great recession are evaluating income and employment alternatives. You may feel genuine in your enthusiasm to apply for a wide variety of positions but how well are you authentically a match? Similar to finding a suitable marriage partner, landing a satisfying job requires a good compatible fit. Like a marriage, we may quickly discover that we didn’t adequately analyze what constitutes a good fit and, subsequently the relationship is terminated.



Finding a new job that genuinely aligns with your talent requires credibility. Similar to finding a good companion, why date those individuals who do not meet your match-description? In accepting a less-than-suitable job, you may deceive yourself for awhile thinking you will change the job description (aka. partner) to fit your liking, but this rarely occurs. Studies reveal that about 30% of new job hires exit a job within the first few months leaving both the employee and employer feeling frustrated.



Analyzing a job offer can bear a strong resemblance to looking for a marriage partner. In the beginning, both the employer (i.e. potential mate) and ‘candidate’ present themselves as attractively as possible, revealing few negative characteristics.



Marriage, like a job offer, has a component of clarifying expectations and goals. After the honeymoon phase is over, it is sometimes apparent there was miscommunication, consciously or unconsciously.



Compromises are often made when deciding whether to accept a job offer. The question is, “is it good enough or right for now?”



Accepting a job offer is not a lifetime co11mmitment even if you desire it. Change happens. But, don’t accept the wrong opportunity because you fear it is the only job offer (or date) you will ever get. Make the best decision about whether a good fit exists by getting information about the job duties and company culture.



The employer and job hunter want to present themselves in the best highlight without falsifying information, while authentically exploring compatibility factors. Simply put, successful job search involves two considerations:



1. Have you established your preferred job title, and, defined the job responsibilities on a day to day basis? Similar to dating, achieving a satisfying marriage requires well-suited factors.



2. Will the employer think your skills match the job title and the responsibilities? Online job applications and online dating candidates are similar because both screen for suitability and a decision is made whether or not to meet and interview further.



If asked a question about what a person looks for in a job or relationship, the list may be straightforward. For other individuals, the response may include, “I’ll take anyone who will have me.”



Many individuals apply for positions that are not a good fit and then feel discouraged when not called for an interview. Some continue this job hunting pattern because they don’t know what else to do. And, when posed with the question, “What work do you really want to do?” the response is vague, or interest is limited to security, benefits, location near residence, and so on. Employers can smell the candidates who are looking only for a paycheck, similar to desperation when seeking companionship.



You must identify what skills you most prefer using, how these fit the job description and benefit the company to land an interview and the job. If dating, wouldn’t you rule out potential candidates if the criteria were only about income level, perks and benefits instead of values, beliefs, and other compatibility factors?



Online applications require careful screening for both applicant and HR. Filter that which authentically aligns with your goal. Narrow your search based on what you know is a likely suitable fit and increase the likelihood of a successful union.