Shecky’s

The job hunt is just like the search for the perfect man. You want a career that makes you happy, brings out your best qualities and keeps you on your toes with new challenges, just like a relationship should!

Landing an interview and/or getting a date might be based on your initial charm, but you really have to nail it during the first encounter—with your potential boss or boyfriend. Nicole Williams answers our questions about applying the dating advice we’ve heard all our lives to the search for the perfect job. See even more dating rules that Nicole Williams applied to the workplace here>>

Does the three, er, seven day rule apply to following up with interviewers?

Of course the rules apply! The evening or morning after the interview you should send a thank-you email to your interviewer. I also always recommend sending a mailed letter. And if you met with several people, send them all thank-you notes. If you didn’t snag their business cards, you can always look up their contact information on LinkedIn.

Little attention to detail like this really does make a difference. In terms of following up, I’d wait a full business week before contacting the hiring manager. The other two letters you sent were refreshers. They kept your name fresh in your interviewer’s mind while they were meeting with other candidates.

Is there such a thing as laying it on too thick when it comes to discussing your accomplishments?

No one wants to hire the narcissist, goody-two shoes. Of course it is a job interview and the whole premise is to sell yourself, however, you also need to connect and create a relationship with the interviewer. Your accomplishments are listed on your resume and on your LinkedIn page, both of which your interviewer heavily studied.

Interviews, much like first dates, are all about chemistry. Do you click well together? Can you banter and bring good ideas to the table? If the conversation is staid and short, consider the job lost. I’d recommend practicing a two-minute elevator pitch for the “tell me about yourself” question. Once you have that down, the rest of the interview is sure to flow.

What’s the best way to remain optimistic that the right one (job, I mean) is out there?

Didn’t your mother always tell you that you have to kiss a lot of frogs to find your prince? Same goes for your career. If we don’t test out the waters, how will we know what we like and what we don’t? Put yourself out there and be open to new experiences.

If you’re having trouble keeping your spirits up, maybe you should get a mentor. A mentor is someone who can act as your cheerleader, but more importantly give you constructive criticism that oftentimes we don’t hear from our friends and family. I’d recommend joining some groups on LinkedIn in the industry you’re looking to break into or, better yet, follow a few companies you’d like to work for. You could reach out to their employees who perhaps might be looking for a mentee.

How do you avoid settling when you’ve been looking for the perfect fit so long?

Nothing is perfect. Not a man, not a relationship and certainly not a job. You need to factor in three non-negotiables and start your search from there. If a job or company is perfect—why are they in need of a new hire like you? Working for a well-oiled machine is often boring and lacks creativity.

Start thinking about what you can bring to the table: What would you like to learn? What type of people would you like to work with? Once you have this idea in mind you’ll see that the “perfect fit” might have been in front of you all along. A great way to explore what companies you might want to work for is to follow companies on LinkedIn. You can track companies as well as employee statistics.

If you’re trying to end your (work) relationship, what’s the best way to ask for a reference letter?

This should go without saying, but only ask for a reference letter if you’re leaving on good terms. If that’s the case, your former employer most likely only wants what is best for you.

Sit down with them in person and ask them to draw up a letter for you. Remember: a little flattery doesn’t hurt. Tell them that you have always admired their work ethic and good judgment and would be honored if they could scribe a letter for you. I’d advise people to always seek out references before leaving their jobs. Seek out recommendations on LinkedIn. They’ll always be on the site and it avoids the awkward ask when you leave a company.

-Nicole Williams of WORKS by Nicole Williams

Nicole is the bestselling author of three books, the latest of which, Girl on Top: Your Guide to Turning Dating Rules into Career Success, has been optioned by Dan Jinks and Bruce Cohen, the producers behind the Academy Award winning films American Beauty and Milk. The company she founded, WORKS by Nicole Williams, is the go-to resource for career-minded young women and was named one of Forbes magazine’s Top 10 Career Websites for Women. You’ve seen her on TV—as a regular guest on Today, Good Morning America and CNN—and in print, where her advice has appeared on the pages of ELLE, Cosmopolitan, Glamour, Marie Claire and the Wall Street Journal. Nicole was recently named LinkedIn’s Connection Director. She is also Shape magazine’s career contributor, where she’ll continue to spread her sexy mix of dating tips turned career strategies to young women everywhere.

GIRL TALK TIME: Have you ever used dating tactics in an interview/your career? How did you land a great job? Will you try these tips at your next interview?