…Searching for a job. Or, rather, searching for a job is like dating.

No, really, it is…

1. Not gonna leave unless it’s something really good. With most jobs, if you’re comfortable, you’re not likely to leave unless something amazing comes along. You may look around to see what else is out there, see what the market looks like. But there is no fire under your ass to get out there and get going. Similarly, if you’re comfortable with the single life, why would you give up that freedom to be chained down to someone for the unforseeable future? Do you really want to give up your Saturday night out with the boys to sit and watch chick flicks? Or do girls want to give up the comfort of not caring if you’re wearing granny panties or cute underwear in exchange for being in a relationship? Eh, only for something really, really good. Or, if you’re already in a relationship, the same rule applies…you can check out what the market looks like, but if you’re really happy then you’re not going to leave unless a new and better model comes along.

2. You don’t want to seem too desperate. After you interview somewhere that you’re really interested in, sometimes you’re struck with the desire to stalk down the recruiter/employer so they know that you’re REALLY REALLY interested and how GREAT you would be for the position. It could be due to a once in a lifetime opportunity, or simply because you just want to get the hell out of your current job. With dating, you of course don’t want to seem to eager or desperate. You carefully time your calls and emails, and make sure you don’t inundate the other person, that is, unless they are doing it right back to you. It’s a bit of a waiting game and a fine balancing act to both show your interest and wait to hear back from a potential employer, a game much like the dating game.

3. Looking good on paper. For online dating, someone can look great on paper, but the actual date/person you meet could be a nightmare. Even for non-online dating, someone could sound great to your friends (”she’s a hot model librarian” or “he’s an Ivy league lawyer”) - have all the things you’re looking for or want…and still have the same negative outcome. Looking “good on paper” is basically the same as having a kick ass resume. Either you live up to it or you don’t. But either way, you definitely want to make sure that even if it has the best bullshit possible on there, you can still deliver the goods.

4. Dress to impress. Dressing for a first date is a bit like dressing for a job interview. You don’t want to look too casual, or too slutty. You want to be dressed for the occasion - as in don’t wear sweats if you’re going to a nice restaurant (or, don’t wear sweats at all), and don’t wear pearls if you’re going to a baseball game. With a company, it’s often hard to really know the culture of the place you are interviewing at, so you go with the standby suit option. Tugging at a tie or pulling at a jacket the entire time is really not comfortable, but it’s expected - and then as you start working there, eventually you’re wearing jeans on Friday and not caring if you actually blow dried your hair or not. Kind of like how that girl will wear her highest heels and full makeup with her hair done for the first few dates, then slowly let it all fade as things progress. It all goes back to the first idea of being comfortable. Everyone likes to show off once in awhile, do the peacock strut of dating and impressing the opposite sex. So, when it comes to a job interview or initial date, it’s important to dress for success.

5. First impressions count. Along with the initial dress, first impressions count for a lot while job hunting/interviewing and dating. With a job, you look at things like firm handshakes and eye contact. With dating, it’s more about if the other person can carry on a conversation, if they are funny or down to earth, and whether or not she (or he) offers to split the bill (or, pay the bill). You want to make sure that the person is left feeling good, that they think, wow - he or she is great! If you’re left with a sour taste in your mouth, or a nagging feeling in your gut…chances are the person won’t make it to a second date, or a final interview.

The similarities could go on. But, what is this to say about our dating and professional lives? It’s been said before that a first date is like an interview…but who knew how far that assumption really went?