Swipe Right on Talent: What Recruiting and Dating Apps Have in Common
The Profile Game: Resumes vs. Bios
In both recruiting and dating, we start with a profile. Resumes are the LinkedIn version of a dating bio - polished, carefully worded, and occasionally a little, uh, aspirational?
The candidate says they're a ‘dynamic self-starter’? Translation: “I once started a Slack channel no one asked for.”
The company says they have a ‘fast-paced culture’? Cool, but are we talking startup fast or burnout fast?
Moral of the story: just like with dating, don't fall in love with the profile. The real magic (or hot mess) is in the conversation.
Ghosting Is (Unfortunately) Universal
If you've ever had a candidate disappear after a promising interview or a hiring manager go radio silent after “we’re moving forward,” you’ve felt the sting of professional ghosting.
Ghosting is the universal language of “I don’t know how to say no, so I’m going to say nothing.”
Tip from both worlds: clear communication is sexy. Close the loop. Say the thing. Don’t leave people hanging. Chances are you’re less likely to look like an a**hole that way and not get blocked should you that avenue in the future.
Spotting the Red Flags
In dating:
“I’m really close with my ex” = …closer than you’re probably comfortable with.
“I don’t believe in labels” = also doesn’t believe in commitment.
In hiring:
“We’re like a family” = emotional dysfunction is not included in the job description.
“We move fast” = chaos is our brand.
“You’ll wear a lot of hats” = hope you enjoy juggling flaming swords, too.
The red flags aren’t always loud - sometimes they’re whispered in passing during an interview or buried in a job description. But whether it’s recruiting or dating, ignoring the signs usually leads to regret.
Recruiters are trained to spot the warning signs early so you don’t get caught in a six-month situationship with a “rockstar” who never actually shows up to work (literally or figuratively).
Chemistry Matters - But So Does Compatibility
You know that first coffee date where the convo flows, the jokes land, and you think this could be something?
Same goes for interviews. But charisma isn’t the same as competence. A candidate might nail the “vibe check” but fall short on actual skill and vice versa.
As recruiters, we’re the matchmakers who dig past the surface. We’re looking for long-term compatibility, not just good first-date energy.
It's All About the Match
At the end of the day, both dating and recruiting are about finding the right fit. Not perfect, but just right for you.
When the match works, it’s magic: the candidate thrives, the team levels up, and you wonder how you ever lived without each other.
And just like in love, the best matches often happen when you stop chasing "perfect" and start looking for real, aligned, human connection.
Final Thought:
Whether you’re hiring or dating, don’t settle for swipe-fatigue. Let’s stop ghosting, call out the red flags, and start making matches that last.
If you’re ready to swipe right on talent that sticks, we’re here to play matchmaker (minus the awkward small talk). Give us a shout to start your next search!
