What Job Hunting Can Teach You About Online Dating (Part II)

My friend Rachel is frustrated. She graduated from college last year and, like so many other recent graduates, employment seems like a pipe dream. For months, she's been applying to job after job after job - online, in person, over the phone - and no one is hiring. She asked for my advice over lattes last week, and this is what I said: I don't know a lot about the business world, but I do know a lot about online dating...and they're a lot more similar than you think.

I've already shared a few of the similarities between job hunting and online dating, but there's more where that came from. What else can searching for a job teach you about searching for love online? Plenty! Like:

• You have to know what you're looking for. What do you want out of your career? Lots of vacation time? A burgeoning bank account? A chance to help with humanitarian issues? You wouldn't want to spend your life working in an industry that doesn't meet your needs, and you wouldn't want to settle down with a partner who doesn't meet your needs either. Take time to think seriously about what you want out of a relationship. If you don't know what you're looking for, you'll never find it.

• Be open-minded. Having too many dealbreakers is a dealbreaker itself. A great job can come from an unexpected source, and likewise love can come when you least expect it. If you're too focused on your idea of the "ideal" date, you might miss the person who's actually perfect for you.

• Don't be afraid to take chances. The end of a job interview is awkward. You shake their hand, and then what? What do you say? Do you act like you've already gotten the job? This is a time to be bold - offer the handshake, express your strong interest in the position, and ask for the timeframe in which you can expect to hear back from them. Make it clear that you're ready for a "second date." And when you're actually on dates, use the same tactic. If you want a goodnight kiss, go for it. If you want a second date, ask for it. There is no reward without risk.

• Be sure to follow up. Every career expert believes in the power of the post-interview thank you note, because follow-up is key. It shows you're serious about the job, and gives you another opportunity to make a memorable impression. Post-date follow up is equally important. Send a quick message to say what a great time you had and make plans for Date #2. A relationship won't happen unless you make it happen.

Who knew getting hired and getting hitched would have so much in common?