You might not necessarily associate dating with going to a job interview, but when you think about it there are many similarities. Both situations are first time interactions and make you feel nervous while having the intention to show your very best side.
With so many similarities, there are also many transferable skills applicable to both situations. If you have been on a few dates in your life but are still nervous about going to job interviews, you might want to put your charming skills to better use. Here are a few tips on how to use your dating skills for job interviews.
Ask the right questions
When going on a date, you are naturally interested in the other person. You want to find out who the other person really is and whether she/he is a good fit for your personality. Asking questions about the other person’s life, you usually get a good idea about who they are.
Going to a job interview, you should adopt a similar strategy. Is this company the right fit for you? By asking the right questions, you can find out more about the job and the team that you would be working with. Now swap situations and imagine you’re on a date — what would you ask? Before going on a date, you naturally will think of questions to ask. The same should apply for job interviews. Prepare a set of relevant questions that are directly related to your position, the company and the team.
Show what you are passionate about
There is nothing better than talking to a person who is sincerely passionate about something, whether it’s art, sports, travelling or cooking. When on a date, you typically reveal your interests and passions – maybe even to impress your date a little bit.
Many people think that hobbies and passionate interests are nothing to discuss during a job interview, but HR managers will actually disagree. Although you should keep it brief, revealing your interests outside of work gives the hiring managers a better understanding of who you are. It’s also a great way to build rapport with your hiring manager. Showing that you are passionate about something other than work tells your future boss that she/he can talk to you about non-work related matters.
Honesty is always best
In hopes of impressing their date, many people have a tendency to fib a bit. You may think a little white lie wouldn’t hurt anyone, but please be warned this could backfire spectacularly, especially if you develop genuine feelings for this person. So, whether it relates to your dating history, living situation or last salary drawn, being honest and upfront is the only way forward.
The same hold true for job interviews as well. The longer you keep your lies alive, the more embarrassing it will be in the end. Be open about everything right from the start, as honesty always prevails – both at work and in love.
Keep your calm and don’t be desperate
Have you been hurt in your previous relationship? Have you been struggling to find a new job for a long time? Desperation kicks in? As hard as it it, stay calm and patient.
Being desperate is never attractive, both on dates and during job interviews. Do you want to be with someone who is desperately looking for a partner? Do you want to hire someone who seems to be glad to accept just any job?
Don’t give the wrong impression by being desperate. Remember, being yourself and showing sincere interest in the job (or your date) is the only way to impress.
