Job Hunting Lessons From the Bachelorette

If you’re like me, you might have a weakness for drama-ridden reality television.  While recently watching perennial favorite The Bachelorette, I was reminded that the “Would you please accept this rose?” format is anything but reality.  I also realized that the process of looking for a job is not so different.  Here are some similarities the two situations have in common.

You have to date before you become engaged

Every season of the Bachelorette includes an overeager candidate who already wants to marry the Bachelorette before he even meets her.  Just as you can’t properly pick a fiancée based on what you see on television, you can’t truly tell whether an employer is a good fit just by looking at their Web site.  It’s logical to date someone for a while before you decide to marry them.  Likewise, it’s good to interview with a company in person before you decide that you definitely want to work there.

There’s always competition

Much of the drama on the Bachelorette develops throughout the season as the contestants develop romantic feelings for the woman, but then have to watch her dating numerous other people.  Although you generally never know who you’re competing against for a great job, much of the time you’re competing against someone who’s just as great as you are.  Just like a Bachelorette contestant, you have to put your best foot forward throughout your job search, but also realize that a company might just “feel a better connection” with another candidate.

Use your time wisely

Another classic scenario on the Bachelorette is the eliminated contestant saying his final piece to the camera—“She and I could have had a wonderful thing, but she just didn’t get to see the real me.”  Shy contestants often get eliminated quickly on the show because the Bachelorette gets a much better feeling for the more outgoing guys around her.  The same is true throughout your job hunt.  Even if you’re naturally reserved or shy, you have to push yourself to show your true colors within a short period of time.  An employer may review your resume for 30 seconds before moving on to the next one, or interview you for 30 minutes before meeting their next candidate.  Companies make hiring decisions based on very limited contact with each candidate—so make sure you’re taking full advantage of every moment of their time that you get!

Jessica Holbrook Hernandez is an expert resume writer, career and personal branding strategist, author, speaker and President/CEO of Great Resumes Fast. She creates high-impact, best-in-class, resumes and cover letters that transform job searches into interviews and ultimately job offers. For more information about professional resume writing or to read more career and job search related articles visit http://www.greatresumesfast.com or call 1.800.991.5187.