Flirting my way to a job...

Have you ever noticed that there is a fine line between networking (i.e. selling yourself) and flirting? As a single woman, I have been set up on blind dates, I've gone speeding dating, and I have gone on dates with men I have only briefly been introduced to previously (read met in a bar when all brain waves might not have been fully functioning). Anyway, relationship experts have pointed out that when women flirt, they do some, if not all, of these things: tilt the head, lean in, twirl hair, smile, laugh....Interestingly enough, I have noticed that I do the same things while trying to network to find a job. And I do this with anyone...male, female, the cute dog of my neighbor.

But really, isn't flirting (letting your date know you are interested in going out again) just selling yourself on why you are more interesting and fun than the girl or guy he or she went out with the previous night? Doesn't someone looking for a job (i.e. me) want the person I just met to think I am articulate, smart, courageous, educated and interesting? I think so...

So, while I have never felt like I do a good job of selling myself to a potential employer, I can be a decent flirt when I want to be...and if it means a professional connection might remember our conversation and recommend me for a job in the future, I will continue to flirt. Who knows, I might end up with a job and because I have honed my flirting skills during this period in my life while job hunting, I might even end up with a date! Now that, would be a miracle!

Keep on keeping on, Nora