How dating can prepare us for job interviews

Congratulations! After some back-and-forth – and barring early rejection – the first meeting has been secured. Anticipation grows, but so does the overwhelming anxiety about making the right first impression.

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Then comes the stress of getting ready to meet. I have a go-to outfit for first dates, and a different one for job interviews. For dates it was a cute and sexy red and white polka-dot shirt with skinny jeans, while my trusty interview outfit of black blazer and tailored pants shows I mean business.

Although, if I manage a second or third meeting, I am completely unprepared. But that’s a problem for Future Mel.

When it comes time for the meeting itself, the anxiety is next level. Everything you say for the next 30-60 minutes will be heavily scrutinised. No pressure. The other party will quiz you about your life, your goals and your intentions, and they will be taking note of how you performed, ranking you against other candidates.

You might walk away from the first meeting knowing if you’re happy or not, but a lot of the time it’s hard to know if the feeling is mutual. The goal is to make a connection and keep the conversation flowing to secure a follow-up – if you want one.

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Then comes the worst part – the waiting game. Impatiently checking messages on your phone, email, LinkedIn, Instagram or Messenger to see if they want to see you again. The more time goes by, the more nervous you become.

You wait with bated breath for that call announcing your fate. Sometimes rejection comes as a surprise, but that’s just part of the process. Although crushing, I respect being given a clear rejection over being ghosted or strung along.

But when that elusive follow-up comes in the form of an offer – whether it’s the romantic or employment kind – all that anxiety and worry turns to excitement about the future possibilities that await.