More Than Just a Resume
- Sunday, March 06 2011 @ 09:07 am
- Contributed by: Jet
- Views: 1,989
In some ways, writing an online dating profile is like being in a creative profession, such as acting or composition: you have to learn the art of self-promotion quickly, or risk getting lost in the shuffle. After all, dating is a competitive field, just like acting, and if you don’t promote yourself, no one else will.
Many people get stuck when it comes to promoting themselves. “I don’t want to sound like I’m bragging!” they might say. Worse yet, thinking about how to promote themselves might suddenly trigger a self-esteem downward spiral, and they’ll say things like “I have nothing to brag about! I haven’t done anything! I’m not special, I’m just a regular person!”
More often than not, they become stuck because they forget what the ultimate goal is: to find a compatible person with whom they can form a solid relationship. They aren’t applying for a job, so professional achievements are nice, but not necessary. They aren’t entering a beauty pageant, so attractiveness counts, but it’s not the whole enchilada. In the world of dating, you’re looking at an entire package. Suddenly, all those nebulous qualities that made you a good friend but didn’t really get you a promotion actually count. Charity counts. Having a sense of humor counts. Being a good person counts.
When you’re looking at dating profiles, who would you rather meet: the high-powered businessperson who’s risen to the top of their firm in five years, or the person who takes time out every month to visit their family? Neither of these are bad choices, but one might be a better fit for you - which is why it’s important, not only to consider the whole package of the people you’re interested in, but to make sure you’re fully representing yourself.
So as you sit down to compose your online dating profile, don’t just think of it as a resume. Instead, consider the qualities that your friends and family appreciate - and be specific. Instead of simply saying that you have a “big heart,” explain that you are the sort of person who can’t resist buying cookies when kids make the sales pitch. Instead of saying you’re “a hard worker,” talk about that restaurant you want to open. When you reveal the person that lives beyond the resume, you might find the right fit for you.
Many people get stuck when it comes to promoting themselves. “I don’t want to sound like I’m bragging!” they might say. Worse yet, thinking about how to promote themselves might suddenly trigger a self-esteem downward spiral, and they’ll say things like “I have nothing to brag about! I haven’t done anything! I’m not special, I’m just a regular person!”
More often than not, they become stuck because they forget what the ultimate goal is: to find a compatible person with whom they can form a solid relationship. They aren’t applying for a job, so professional achievements are nice, but not necessary. They aren’t entering a beauty pageant, so attractiveness counts, but it’s not the whole enchilada. In the world of dating, you’re looking at an entire package. Suddenly, all those nebulous qualities that made you a good friend but didn’t really get you a promotion actually count. Charity counts. Having a sense of humor counts. Being a good person counts.
When you’re looking at dating profiles, who would you rather meet: the high-powered businessperson who’s risen to the top of their firm in five years, or the person who takes time out every month to visit their family? Neither of these are bad choices, but one might be a better fit for you - which is why it’s important, not only to consider the whole package of the people you’re interested in, but to make sure you’re fully representing yourself.
So as you sit down to compose your online dating profile, don’t just think of it as a resume. Instead, consider the qualities that your friends and family appreciate - and be specific. Instead of simply saying that you have a “big heart,” explain that you are the sort of person who can’t resist buying cookies when kids make the sales pitch. Instead of saying you’re “a hard worker,” talk about that restaurant you want to open. When you reveal the person that lives beyond the resume, you might find the right fit for you.
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