Searching for a Job is Like Dating

When you think about it, looking for a job and dating are very similar. This past week, while I've been on the job hunt and a good friend of mine had an... interesting... dating experience, as we were talking we realized how true this was.

First... you meet.

This can be done in a variety of ways. Through a friend, at a store, at a party, or maybe you're modern and meet online. Your eyes meet across the room and you're all "Oh! That one is attractive!" You start to check them out and want to learn more.

Then, you give them your number. (Or application.)

You're nervous, but the other one is glad you considered them and gladly take your number. The ball is now in their court.

Next, the phone call.

It might have taken them awhile. (You know how guys are. In "boy time" tomorrow means three days from now.) You wondered if they had forgotten about you or if your number got lost in the shuffle of other things. You wait by the phone anxiously like a jr. high girl.

But then your phone rings and it turns out they want to see you too! You chit-chat for a bit. Learn a few new details and set up a time to meet.You can feel the butterflies flying around in your stomach and you aren't sure if you're excited or just want to puke.

Then... the date! I mean, interview.

What do you wear?
What do you say?
Do you smell bad?
How many of these have they done recently?
How much of your past do you reveal?
Should you be funny or serious?

But as the date... interview... goes on, you start to relax. You get into a good conversation. You may even share a few jokes and they get you a drink. Ah. This wasn't so bad after all. In fact, you kind of enjoyed it.

When you're done you immediately call your BFF and tell them all of the details.

They were so nice!
We had a drink!
We have SO MUCH IN COMMON!
I really like them.
Do you think they like me too? I hope so!
I can totally tell this is the beginning of something. I can feel it!
I should start figuring out how this whole relationship is going to work/start planning how to decorate my office.

After that is the waiting.

Do you call them next, or should they call you first?
They haven't called yet...maybe it didn't go quite as well as you had thought.
You analyze every detail of the conversation. "Well... maybe I shouldn't have said it that way...."
You doubt every choice you've ever made in your life ever. "Why did I ever buy that top! It's hideous! No wonder they haven't called yet."

And finally- the result.

If the other party wishes to continue the relationship (or hires you), you jump up and rejoice.

"I knew it would work out. We totally clicked."

Or... the awful phone call/text/email/Facebook message which ends with you on the couch drinking wine and eating ice cream. Then, the next day, you get up and start all over again. Or get started on writing that best-seller/convincing JK Rowling to adopt you so you can get the inheritance.

Also - next week I'm hosting a book link-up! Last year I did a book questionnaire about all of the books I read in 2012. This year, I'd love for you to join me! It'll go up on Friday, December 27 since Christmas will be over and we'll be looking toward the New Year. You can also apply this to music, TV shows, and movies if you aren't much of a reader! So go over to your GoodReads list of books you've read this year to refresh your memory! Here are the questions if you want to start thinking about it:

1) How many books have you read this year?
2) What book surprised you the most?
3) What book were you the most disappointed in?
4) Did you start any new series?
5) Did you finish any series?
6) What was your favorite book cover this year?
7) What was the best non-fiction book you read?
8) What are you currently reading?
9) Any reading goals for 2014?
10) What books are you looking forward to in 2014?
11) What other books deserve a shout out?
12) Your top 3 books of 2013.