Yep, really! In today’s digital and distracting swipe-right environment, finding your perfect (work) match—and persuading them that you’re the only One for them—is becoming just like actual dating.
But before you break out in a nervous sweat, remember that networking and hiring can be way more fun (and effective, too) when you start thinking about networking in a different way.
Today, we are bombarded with constant choices—what to order for dinner, what to stream, who to date—but the sheer quantity of options can leave people numb to the value of individual offerings. Is that TV show holding your attention when you can easily switch to something else? Is a date really as romantic when you suspect the person has different online dates lined up every day of the week?
In networking, the same principle applies. Online networking platforms like LinkedIn are great for opening up a world of connections, but how do you know who to talk to, and how can you ensure that the really good connections don’t slip away?
More choices give people more scope for exploring new possibilities in work, from job opportunities to career changes, potential new business partners and contractor connections. However, this has led to a serious dilution in the quality of connections and working relationships, which is only compounded by the fact that so many of us are now working out of traditional office settings, some or all of the time.
Let’s rethink how we network. Networking should be like dating, with the aim of finding quality connections that last. No more bad boys or brief flings—we’re here to meet The One. Whether it’s the perfect candidate, ideal business partner or a boss you actually really like! Read on to discover why you should treat networking like dating, with a guide to best practices in networking and networking tips that will get you to where you want to go.
Network Like You (Actually Want) to Date
Nobody really wants to date lots of people without establishing a real connection. Most people are—whether they want to admit it or not—are looking for their soulmate, the perfect person for them. And when it comes to networking for hiring and recruitment, or for job seeking, quality really is better than quantity.
But how do you know which person to put your energies into out of a range of contacts? Whether networking online or in-person at networking events, it really pays to do your research. You can use a quick smart screening tool like YOONO to run background reports on your corporate contacts, giving you a sense of their online presence, employment history and other useful information that tells you if they’re likely to be the perfect fit, or are simply playing the field.
Don’t commit before YOONO someone is really who they say they are. It’s just good dating sense!
Attract and Hold Their Attention
Gen Z are notoriously spoilt for choice when it comes to work prospects. Don’t like the job you’re in? Sliding into your favourite company’s DMs or hitting up Indeed will have you in a new job in no time. Whether it’s the right job for the long-term is of less concern to this young working demographic, who thrive off novelty and variation in their working day.
So how can recruiters and employers appeal to fickle Gen Z? Networking with young candidates can sometimes feel a bit like being put in someone’s back pocket, easily dropped when a more enticing opportunity comes around.
Look. No one wants to be in the back pocket. Adapt your networking strategy to be the most enticing offer on the table for younger candidates. We’re talking engaging social media content for your brand, personalised EVPs (Employee Value Propositions), experiential hiring offerings (this generation will take experiences over traditional employee perks any day) and fast-paced recruitment pathways (so you don’t lose your catch).
We’re not talking love-bombing, but you get the idea. Giving someone exactly what they want to hear, and tailoring it for them, is a shortcut to convincing the most talented candidates to go your way.
Get Personal…
…with personal communications that is. There’s nothing more soulless and see-through than automated messaging to recruits or networking contacts. Put down the chatbot, and craft a message that makes them feel seen. They’ll appreciate the effort.
Don’t Be That Guy
YOONO, the guy who plays the field and dates around. Look, each to their own, but no-one wants to actually have a relationship with someone who’s eyes are always flicking towards the exit.
In hiring—like dating—you’re not going to find the best candidates if they are aware that you are sowing your oats, pardon the expression. People like to feel special, but it works both ways to focus your energies on cultivating a smaller handful of better-quality contacts. This way, you have a better chance of attracting the most talented and in-demand candidates, the A-Players who bring exceptional value into your business.
By focussing on networking with only the very best in your contact list, you’ll find that your field narrows in a good way. These keystone candidates motivate other team members, boost company productivity and will reward your ‘spotlight’ effect with long-term loyalty.
Are You Compatible?
Recruitment and networking can have a competitive edge. Many networking tips and hiring strategies focus on making as many connections as possible, but as we’ve looked at above, this doesn’t always give the best results.
For one thing, it can be difficult to assess long-lasting compatibility when you’re in a rush. We all know those stories about people who met and got married within months (and are still together), but there’s something to be said for the slow-and-steady types who aren’t for the head-over-heels sort of romance.
Compatibility in work goes deeper than surface-level CV qualifications—for someone to thrive on your team you’ll need to learn whether they are emotionally and personally compatible with you and your company. While this used to take time to fully assess, today’s modern hiring tech helps you to really get to know someone much more quickly than in the past.
Personality tests and intelligent interviews, like those offered by platform Testlify, are great for working out where someone will fit within your existing team, or whether they are likely to bring something unexpected—good or undesirable—to the table.
Discovering hidden extras through smart screening also gives you an insight into someone’s passions, interests and life outside of the 9-to-5, which might be shared with others in your team—another way of boosting the cohesive spirit of your team.
We’re not suggesting you hire like you’re looking for a life-partner…oh wait, no that’s exactly what we’re suggesting!
Your Perfect Match with YOONO!
We’re not your traditional matchmakers here at YOONO, but we like to think that we’re pretty good at finding people their perfect hire.
By using our smart search tool, you can discover someone’s hidden talents and what makes them really tick (and you can weed out any unsuitable matches too!). Search for someone’s name today and find out the most relevant information about their online presence, job history, financial background and much more. So YOONO exactly who you’re hiring or networking with!
