When recently coaching a friend on an upcoming job interview, I realized that these scary meetings are very much like first dates. A lot of the anxiety is the same, as is your desire to make a dynamite first impression. Unfortunately, some of the mistakes are the same as well. Maybe you never thought about it like this, but the reason you didn’t get that job you were amazingly qualified for could be the same reason you didn’t get asked out for a second date by that adorable dude you went out with a few weeks ago.
Talking badly about your ex
Whether we’re talking about an ex-boyfriend or an ex-boss, talking trash about the person who used to employ you/make out with you is never a flattering thing to do during the interview stage of any potential relationship, whether it be professional or personal.
If you’re trying to snag a job, and talk about what an evil tyrant your former boss was, the person interviewing you won’t be able to help but wonder if the super strained relationship wasn’t your faultand she’ll think twice before hiring someone with a history of workplace conflict.
The same rule applies to a first date. Going on and on about how horrible your ex is and your date will think “Hmmm, that could be me in a couple of months”. It’s almost guaranteed that there will be no second date.
Blabber Mouth
The line between being confident and presenting yourself in a good light and compromising the conversation is a fine one. You want your future boss or future partner to know all the wonderful things about you, without overdoing it. Moreover, if you never stop talking, the other person, be it an interviewer or a date, will never be able to get a word in about the job/the company/themselves.
Runaway Mouth; Again
After a first date that induced butterflies or a job interview that inspired confidence, it’s all you can do to keep from jumping onto Facebook and letting the world know. Showing that restraint could save you a heap of future embarrassment.
Jumping the gun in a public way about a budding professional and personal relationship until you actually have some solid news to share is a mistake. Your potential new boss/dating sweetie is bound to find out what you’ve posted something prematurely. It’s just safer for everyone involved to keep mum until you have something solid.
You had something in your teeth
Or maybe on your shirt. Perhaps you had on just a tad too much cologne. It could have been any one of a hundred different little details. As unfair as it may be, some things just get under someone else’s skin and they’ll derail a first meeting fast.
This post was developed by the writers of the Datepad.com internet dating company where you can find hundreds of helpful dating posts.
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