How is dating like finding a job? Shawn Graham, who works in the career center at UNC Chapel Hill's Kenan-Flagler Business School, thinks there are lots of similarities. Here are his tips, adopted from his forthcoming book, "Courting a Career: Where Your Dating Experience and Job Search Collide."

Before you can find your soul mate, you've got to know what you're looking for. Do you prefer someone short or tall? Outgoing or shy? When it comes to the job search, knowing your type is just as critical. Do you want to work for a small or large company? Do you want to work for a company with an entrepreneurial culture or one that's more rigid? Get to know your type. Once you do, you'll be able to focus on the right jobs with the right companies.

As a career counselor, I work with a lot of people who focus on one job with one company in one city. Talk about limiting your options. What happens if things don't work out? Most people don't marry the first and only person they've ever dated. The same holds true during the job search. Don't just apply to one or two companies. Cast a wide net.

You hit it off with someone. You ask for his or her number. Simple enough. When you hit it off with someone during your job search, ask for his or her business card. On the back, jot down where you met and the date, along with a few notes on where the person is from or a few things you talked about. Don't throw the card in a drawer or bury it in your wallet or purse. Follow up. If you're not sure what to say, pull something from your notes to use as an ice breaker.

. Whether we want to admit it or not, physical attraction plays a huge role in whether we ask someone out or say yes when someone asks us out. After all, we see the physical before we have a chance to get to know the individual. When it comes to your job search, physical attraction is just as important. Instead of good looks, employers decide whether or not they want to interview you based on how attracted they are to your skills and experience. Create a professional-caliber résumé and you'll stand out in a crowd like a hot guy or girl stands out.

When you go on a first date, are you nervous? How about on job interviews? Whether the company is going to like you? Whether you're going to get a second interview? In both cases, you want the person sitting across the table to want you. You want to say the right things, wear the right outfit. Bottom line -- you want to be liked. To avoid a lifetime of first dates, or in this case first interviews, do your homework, look your best, and be confident in your abilities. Your only goal -- get to the next round of interviews or get the offer.

. If there's one part of a date we all dread, it's that first awkward goodbye. Although you'll never go for a goodnight kiss at the end of a job interview, you can still seal the deal. Reaffirm your interest in the job (the dating equivalent of "call me"), highlight your skills, and ask about next steps in the interview process (the dating equivalent of "will I see you again?)."

Unlike the world of dating, prompt follow up is everything. Send a thank-you note or letter within 24-48 hours of your interview. Your thank-you note functions just like the phone call you make within a day or so of a date that went well. No follow-up in such a case clearly means you're not interested in pursuing a relationship.

Sometimes you just know. It was love at first sight. You have a good feeling about the people you'll be working with, the money and location are right, and the job content is exactly what you're looking for. Find the job that's your "Mr. or Ms. Right," don't just settle for "Mr. or Ms. Right Now."

I've spoken with a lot of undergraduate and graduate students who were hesitant to call a company to say they've accepted a position with someone else. In a lot of ways, it's just like breaking up with someone. The other party, will feel rejected, disappointed, or angry. Don't burn bridges. Keep your conversation short, but friendly. Thank them for the opportunity. Let them know (in general terms) why you've decided to turn down the position. Close by thanking them again for their time and consideration.

Doing so will enable you to demystify the job search by looking at it in a context you're more familiar with. Just as not all dates lead to relationships, not all interviews will lead to jobs. There are, and always will be, other fish in the sea.

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