The Dating of Job Interviews

I recently graduated from grad school, and I’ve been lucky enough to have a lot of blind dates…err…I mean job interviews. They wooed. I wooed. We called, emailed, exchanged some laughs.

It was on my seventh interview that I realized these weren’t the typical job interviews. These were companies trying to sweep me off my feet. They wanted to get to know me as much as I wanted to know them. They spent countless hours helping me understand their company and culture, so that I would be more than a one night stand.

I felt that mission. In turn, I understood it. These companies want to take longer in the interview process so they can find the right candidate, not someone who was going to quit in a year for something more flattering. I respected that.

Prior to one interview, I even began to get butterflies. You know, the ones you get when you think about that cute guy at the gym you always see but never had the courage to talk to until now — those butterflies.

Oddly, these interviews felt like my first date with that guy. I had waited for so long for this, I wanted everything to go right. As to be expected, it didn’t.

To start, I couldn’t find parking. I had to shyly text my friend who connected me to the interview: Hey! Where do I park?

I ended up having to park so far away that I was nearly late.

I fixed my make-up in the rearview mirror. I scrolled their website while I was speed walking there. I felt like I was stalking the Facebook of someone I was about to go on a blind date with, desperately searching to remember my talking points.

Be cool. I kept telling myself. Just be cool.

I finally get there. My friend greets me. “You look great!” he says. “I’m sure he will love you.” Faintly, I smile. The butterflies are back and they’ve multiplied.

I’m introduced. His boss’s warm smile softens the air. “Why don’t you tell me a little bit about yourself?” he asks.

We banter back and forth. He tells me what the company needs, where they see the company in 5 years, their goals, and how we can grow together.

It sounds like a perfect match! I say. He nods his head in approval.

I leave feeling ecstatic. I immediately text my friend, I love your company, and your boss!

“He liked you a lot too!” he responds.

Once I’m home, I send the follow-up email and I wait.

Days pass. Weeks. I text my friend with a bit more desperation than I’d like. I thought it went so well! We had a connection. I could see myself there for five years. Did something go wrong? Should I email again?

“Nothing went wrong. They really like you. We just went on a hiring freeze,” he responds.

Oh. The old it’s not you, it’s me. Even when it’s true, it still doesn’t feel good to hear.

I did about five more blind interviews that friends had hooked me up with. They all ended with the same lines:

1. We’re not exactly ready to commit.
2. I need more time to get over my ex. She’s got big shoes to fill.
3. You’re great, but you just don’t fit our checklist.
4. The swipe left.
5. Ghosted.

After 3 months of interviews, I am still freelancing waiting for the right job. I refuse to settle. I refuse to interview for a company simply because they swiped right.

I want a great company who sees my value, not just my virtual profile. I am seeking a who wants me to succeed because they know that when I proposer so do they.

If you find yourself at an interview, think about your future and theirs. Why are you here? Why are they here? If it’s not a mutual attraction, don’t be afraid to say no, to swipe left.

Find the job that wakes you up in the morning with a smile. Find the job that you can’t live without. Find the job that may not always give you what you want but it gives you need.

I’ll let you know when I find my happily ever after. Until then, this story is

TO BE CONTINUED.