Proof of Concept - The parallels of job seeking and dating
I've been a job seeker and a hiring manager who recruits for more than a decade each—I have been on both sides of it. I am also a former single person who once sought a relationship. It wasn't until I gained experience in the recruiting and hiring process that I realized both are the same emotional journeys and a similar goal of full-time commitment (and side hustles if you swing that way). Both experiences are emotionally draining. As a person who is passionate about helping people thrive in their careers and matchmake my single friends¹, let’s explore the common journeys, what emotional arcs you may endure, and a few tips and tricks to help you along the way to get what you’re looking for. The shared journeyIt’s astonishing how similar a person seeking a job encounters paths identical to dating. Different companies interview differently and I’ll generalize the phases for discussion. 1. Holla—slide into DMs (Inquiry) 2. Swipe right (Initial call) 3. Impress your date (Interview loops) 4. Locking it down (Offer/references) InsightsIt's no wonder the emotional arcs feel the same. Both start as low-pressure scenarios that can lead to something magical...or tremendous heartbreak. The odds aren't in people's favor as the latter happens way more than the former. It's a numbers game (to a certain point)Dating and job seeking are a numbers game. If you don't put yourself out there, nothing will happen. As the old saying goes, "You miss 100% of the shots you don't take,” so shoot your shot. However, this logic is dangerous if you follow it blindly. It can be normal to get rejected a lot, but if you're getting hundreds of rejections without changing your strategy or adjusting your expectations, you’ll land on similar results. After a certain point, reflect on why people are saying "no". Nobody is going to give you specific feedback, and this is where your EQ kicks in. Assess why people aren't saying yes. Are they not attracted to you? Perhaps the intros aren't effective. Maybe you're not asking enough about them and having a dialog. Be reflective and make adjustments. Adjust expectations and the target poolUnless you're optimizing for remote, the environment and target pool will be a huge factor. According to estimates by the U.S. Census Bureau, There are 800,000 to 1,000,000 single women and 700,000 to 900,000 single men in New York City. Let's assume you're a woman looking for a man, the odds of looking for a man who is looking for a long-term relationship are not great. In contrast, there are lots of dudes in San Francisco. Consider the environment and criteria for what you're seeking. There is a likelihood that either dialing it back or refining your criteria and where to find it improves results. Perhaps you're seeking that six-foot-plus guy and the perfect one is a measly 5'10". It might also mean you need to change that filter from "a human with a pulse" and be more specific about who might be compatible with you. Focus on yourselfFocusing on yourself is the advice that sounds terrible but in reality, it's the most important. Years ago during a coffee chat with a friend, he suggested I work on myself, saying that if I did it'd increase the contrast of what I was seeking—becoming a beacon. My friend was absolutely right. In 2018, I focused on myself—worked out, put myself out there, and pursued the best version of myself. The best inquiries came when I wasn't looking for one. After spending time adding quality work to my portfolio, improving on my craft, and shipping impactful projects, it became more of a signal than applying for roles. The one might show up when you're not looking and you are the one who attracts them. Tips and tricksBoundaries and consentIn any relationship, having clear boundaries and consent is the most important rule. If you encroach on this, trust is completely broken. Be clear on the boundaries in which you'd like to be communicated and what you're comfortable with. For example, my phone is my private channel of communication. There are a few recruiters I know closely on a text message basis. However, when an external recruiter's first contact is texting me or calling me on my cell phone, it's a huge turnoff. I make my LinkedIn and email public for the reason to reach out there. Clear communication and feedbackAvoid ghosting people (unless there is a toxic circumstance). Being honest and giving feedback can go a long way. For many people, they simply want to know where they stand. It's okay to say, "This role isn't exactly what I'm looking for" or "We're looking for a candidate with a bit more experience." It's okay to leave it high level. This doesn't need to turn into a court case; share the decision so people know whether there is anything there. Don't get desperate (especially if you are)There is nothing more important than keeping desperation at bay. Keep your composure and do not show desperation. When you do, it makes you appear unattractive to everyone. Recruiters and potential partners can smell if you're desperate. Don't text her repeatedly wondering why she hasn't responded. Give people space for reflection and the next steps (if there are any). Avoid being the person who applies for every role, especially where there is a clear gap in compatibility. Applying for Apple's Human Interface Group at entry level is like asking out Dua Lipa—in your dreams. I've personally been there. During the recession of the 2000s, there was a point where I started accepting defeat that I couldn't land a design job. It was to the point that I pondered getting a job to pay the bills. Despite planning for the worst, I hoped for the best in every interview so that I could be the person they were looking for. You only need one to work outIn dating and job seeking, the odds are higher for getting rejected. Many experienced falling into the pit of despair and giving up on finding love. When you talk to people who've found their personal or career lobster, they'll say it was worth the pain and heartache. You only need to land the one. Whether it’s a DocuSign letter or that wedding ring, I wish you the best of luck! Hyperlinks + notesA collection of references for this post, updates, and weekly reads.
I made previous popular posts available for free on my blog: 1 No, this is not an offer to help you find a date You're currently a free subscriber to Proof of Concept. For the full experience, upgrade your subscription. |
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Taking chances on people
Sunday, August 25, 2024
Issue 209: Stories and expectations on the giving and receiving end ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏
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Issue 208: Operating and skill building during transformative eras ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏
The value of availability
Sunday, August 11, 2024
Issue 207: On presence and being at the right place at the right time ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏
Cross-functional craft
Sunday, August 4, 2024
Issue 206: Understanding what "good" looks like for other functions ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏
Mentoring like a Sith
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Issue 205: How Star Wars villains shape my mentorship approach ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏
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