As the world is increasingly online, networking through traditional means might not be the way to go anymore. Some job seekers are looking for networking connections elsewhere, besides LinkedIn and in the office. Now, a recent Resume Builder survey found a full third of job seekers are searching for job connections and leads on dating apps.
Why Dating Apps?
According to Resume Builder’s Chief Career Advisor Stacie Haller, “Traditional networking platforms can feel oversaturated and transactional, where everyone is pitching rather than genuinely connecting. Dating apps, in contrast, provide a more personal and low-pressure environment for building authentic relationships.”
There is some evidence this new method of connection works. However, some fear there’s now too much of an overlap between personal and professional connection making.
For instance, Bloomberg interviewed Alex Xiao, a freshman at University of California, Berkeley, who has been on the other end of the requests for connection and jobs. “A lot of connection in general just boils down to: ‘how can you help me further my career?’”
Does it Help?
There is some evidence that using dating apps can help people further there career. Of the third of job seekers who use the app found, about 40% get interviewed. Perhaps even more impressive, roughly the same number actually receive job offers as well. The chief motivator for using dating apps is the tough job market, where connections seem transactional and unfulfilling, according to survey results.
Users of dating apps should also consider that these tools are generally not considered the best ways to connect with people online. LinkedIn still reins supreme in professional networking. However, if you feel comfortable putting yourself out there in search for connection, this may be a worthwhile endeavor.
