4 Unexpected Ways Valentine’s Day and the Job Search Relate to Each Other
Valentine’s Day is fast approaching! Job seekers don’t often associate Valentine’s Day with the job search, but there are many ways in which the two are very similar. While many people are spending an incredible amount of effort to show their partners how much they truly care about them, the same steps can be applied to the job search. Without further ado, here’s 4 ways to apply your Valentine’s Day efforts to the job search.

Research

On Valentine’s Day, you want to make the one you love feel special. So you begin researching romantic restaurants and activities. What type of food does your partner enjoy? What should you get him/her for the occasion? Should you go out or cook him/her a meal? These are questions meant to show your partner how much you really love him/her on Valentine’s Day, but doing your research also is important in the job search.

Before going on an interview, it’s vital you learn everything you can about your potential employer. Reviewing the company’s past achievements and projects not only shows you are passionate about the role, but it also shows just how much you care about the company. Do as much research as you can.

It’s All About the Details

Maybe you decide to stay in on Valentine’s Day. You cook your partner his/her favorite meal, light some candles, open a bottle of wine and turn on some music. Every detail about your evening is perfect because you have taken the time to plan it. Focusing on the details is just as important in the job search – especially as it pertains to your resume.

The resume is your first impression. Are you sure your resume is effectively showcasing your skills? Only focus on the details that will draw the attention of hiring managers when they review your resume. While having a detailed resume is important, having too much detail can have a negative effect on your job search. These 6 resume details will help you get your foot in the door!

Dress to Impress

Valentine’s Day is a special occasion, so chances are you won’t be dressed in your favorite pajamas or weekend sweats to spend time with your significant other. It’s a celebration of romance and love for both new and deep-rooted relationships, so in either situation you don’t want to look like a slob. Dressing up your outfit will make the night feel that much more special.

Your appearance is your first visual introduction to the prospective employer. As important as it is to have your resume perfected, you also need to represent yourself in a professional manner. The company is looking to hire a professional, not someone who looks unkempt. You don’t have to wear a ball gown or tuxedo, but proper business attire is appropriate.

Flatter Them (But Not Too Much)

Valentine’s Day is all about making your significant other feel loved and appreciated, so of course flattery goes along with that! Try to remember to complement the way they look, or even just reiterate how much they mean to you. Life can be crazy sometimes and we may take our relationships for granted, so it’s important to make sure they understand how you feel about them. Even though we shouldn’t need a holiday to remember this, it is a nice reminder to really go above and beyond in regards to showing your partner how much they mean to you.

We already spoke about the research factor when it comes to going on an interview, and in doing your research you can really get a feel for some of the potential perks of working with that employer. You should always be prepared with questions, and if there is something you love about the company, that’s a great piece of information to throw in as well. You don’t want to praise them so much that you come off as sounding rehearsed, but one or two casual points could really impress the interviewer.