Tinder, a mobile dating mobile app, can teach you a thing or two about the job application process. As a frequent user of the app, I began to compare my potential dating candidates to the job application process.
Any given job vacancy is sure to warrant plenty of applicants, depending on field and location. While recruiting someone to date, I compared my techniques to how a job recruiter may sift through job applications. Check out some of the tips Tinder taught me about how to stand out and get noticed:
Don’t Just Send A Resume
You are one of many extremely qualified candidates — it’s no surprise that you match the company in question’s criteria, as many people do. In the case of Tinder, unless your physical aesthetics are stellar and your bio is hilarious, I probably won’t message you. Now, compare this to a resume and cover letter. Unless your resume is unique amidst the pile of ordinary papers in which it rests, or your cover letter is quippy and attention grabbing, your chances are slim to none. If you’re just like everyone else, the chances that you’ll land an interview are very, very slim.
A Mutual Friend Gets Attention
If we have a mutual friend on Tinder and I’ve never met you, I’m going to ask you how you know the person. Like the job application process, if you have a referral, the chances that you’ll hear back are greater. However, just having a foot in the door does not guarantee things will progress, but it does win you some points that those who just send resumes won’t get.
A Boring Follow-Up Email Will Get Read, But Won’t Necessitate A Response
Out of my 1500 Tinder matches, an uncanny proportion bore me with “Hi. How are you?” I equate this with a cold email that asks, “Hey. Have you received my resume?” It’ll get read, sure, but don’t expect a response. Remember that in both the job search and the dating world, the competition is abundant, and generic questions will (and should) be glazed over.
An Interesting Email Might Get A Response
A message that does warrant a response is an interesting one. If you’ve done your research and can ask a question that shows you know more than the average inquirer, you’ll get more attention. Let’s say you want to chat up an Australian in NYC and you just so happen to have an extra box of Tim-Tams lying around. Any semi-homesick Aussie will notice and respond.
Then, hopefully, a real date would follow. The same concept applies to the interview process. Research your interviewer, find a common interest and communicate it. This is an email that warrants a response.
Persistence Will Definitely Get You Noticed
I have 1,500 beautiful, brilliant Tinder matches and the one I chose to be my first NYC date was the one who wouldn’t take no for an answer. He kept messaging me and reserving dinner. After two re-schedules, he was still persistent and it worked — yes, it was slightly annoying, but it worked. Ultimately, I found his persistence to be respectable (and attractive) and he earned the date he wanted.
Persistence is powerful and can get you results. Many job descriptions explicitly warn that they don’t accept phone calls — that’s fine. But, they do accept emails, mailed portfolios and office visits. Yes, maybe it could be annoying, but you’ll get noticed and, potentially, you’ll get what you want.
So, there you have it: dating and job application tips all in one. Want the job? Want the date? Don’t be boring or lazy and take action persistently. It’s the only way to get noticed in this crazy, competitive world.
