5 Steps to Finding Great Love (Or a Great Job)

It’s almost Valentine’s Day, the most romantic day of the year! So many people are scrambling around looking for a date without realising that finding love can be awfully similar to finding that dream job.

1. Start with the man in the mirror

The best way to start a relationship is when you are comfortable on your own and know yourself and what makes you happy – great relationship advice AND career advice! Don’t jump into a job until you know who you are.

The better you know your strengths, motivations, interests, and values, the better you can assess if a job is right for you. Start by making a list of all the things you enjoy doing. Then ask you friends and family how they would describe you. Write a report on yourself, review it, and keep reviewing it.

2. Figure out your non-negotiables

In the famous words of Patti Stanger (The Millionaire Matchmaker) “You get 5 non-negotiables when looking for a partner”. It’s the same with a career.

What are 5 things you must have in a job? Is it a supportive boss, flexible working hours, central location, small team, large team, etc.?

You can make a long list of everything you ‘want’. But, then decide which 5 are your absolute ‘non-negotiables’. Everything else on the list are just ‘nice to haves’.

3. Be open to a set-up

At this point you know yourself and what you want. So tell people! Tell your parents, your friends, your neighbour, your mum’s work friend, your second aunt once removed. Yes, tell them, tell everyone!

When your people know what you are looking for, they can help you get there. They might set you up on a blind date (or an informational interview), give you their cute friend’s number (or work contact), give you a referral, or suggest great events and conferences to attend.

4. Give yourself some options

You’ve now got your network working for you – good job!

Next, you need to ensure you are putting yourself out there. Do the career version of attending a speed dating event, making a Bumble profile, and maybe even giving Tinder a try: make a LinkedIn profile, go to some student society events, and use the UTS mentoring platform!

5. Don’t swipe left too quickly

Apply for jobs that you aren’t sure about. Sending through a resume doesn’t mean you have to take the job, or even an interview, so don’t jump three steps ahead of yourself!

Going on a first date doesn’t mean you need to marry the person! Just like making a job application, doesn’t mean you have to accept the job. It just means you are open to the possibility of learning more about this job, and seeing if they are too. Remember dating (and job hunting) is a two-way process. Just because you like them doesn’t guarantee they will like you. So, apply for many jobs, not just the perfect ones. You never know what might turn out to be perfect for you!

Whether you are looking for love or a new job, remember to have your 5 non-negotiables, use your network, and don’t swipe left too quickly. Follow these steps and soon enough you’ll be snuggling up to watch a rom-com with the job of your dreams.

Featured image courtesy of Unsplash