I came to the realization today that job searching is a lot like dating.
Usually at first, we prefer a job that within our major, similar to how we prefer guys (or girls) that are close to our "type." But sometimes, life is unpredictable and we end up somewhere we least expect; it's like sometimes how we think we like a certain type and suddenly find ourselves attracted to someone we least expect.
Given I'm in the midst of job searching right now, I'm starting to see the parallels between that and dating. We go out and see what jobs are available, and then narrow down to the ones that suit our liking. If we find a job that we like, we put ourselves out there and try to make the best first impression possible, dishing out our education and career background and brag about the things we've accomplished. It can be especially intimidating when the job is from some top-tier company or agency and we feel like we're going out of our league. However, we give them our contact information and just hope for the best. The entire ordeal is even more nerve-wracking when it's a job we really want. We're constantly checking our emails, or our phones for messages, waiting for any kind of sign that they're as interested in us as we are in them.
Follow-up emails are tricky as well because you want to strike a balance. You want to be forward in showing your interest (because passiveness can cost you big time) but you don't want to be so forward that you come across as desperate (even if you are).
And then, oh snap. Inbox (1). It's from your potential future employer. Butterflies in stomach. You got a phone interview. Cue whooping while pulling out embarrassing dance moves that haven't seen the light of day since eighth grade (at least in public). But even if it's not face-to-face, the phone interview can be just as nerve-wracking. You want to come across as charming, not underwhelming. You try to be funny and make them laugh; you want to maintain enough of their interest to be granted an in-person meet. You probably Google them to see what their story is and so you can have a better grip of what to talk about (not that you'd admit to it).
If you manage to get the in-person interview, major score! But now it's back to panicking. You make sure you're looking your best, classy with natural make-up. You come to the interview early and minutes before, you're still nervous as ever. You want to maintain your charm and wit because this first meeting is crucial - it's a meeting that will determine whether this will be a start of a relationship that can possibly last a few years, even a lifetime. You might even make a small fib here or there to make yourself look more appealing. "You love horseback riding? I love horseback riding too!" Although actually, the last time you rode a horse was when you were nine. And it might have been a donkey.
Whether it's dating or job-hunting, they both can be pretty stressful, especially when you feel like you're in a runt. I'm currently in the middle of searching for a job and honestly, waiting to hear back from them is starting to wear on me, especially when I think I might actually have a shot. It's extremely exciting, but stressful as well. I starting to feel like the longer I wait, the more I want it. Maybe deep inside, I know it's because it's really just moving further and further out of my reach as more times passes by. But I guess, just like dating, if you don't hear back from them after a while, you just have to move on and look around for other job opportunities, and convince yourself it just wasn't meant to be.
And then pull out the cookies and totally not non-fat ice-cream. (It's becoming an emotional process. Totally not being melodramatic.)
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