So you’ve landed a hot date? It’s time to scrub up and make yourself a winning candidate. Look how the tables have turned! We’ve already told you how recruiting is like Tinder, now it’s time to turn our attention to the first date. Here’s the Recruiter’s Guide to Dating. Time for a little interview prep… Put yourself in a candidate’s shoes.

Rule #1: Make an Effort

Dress well! Do we really need to elaborate? There’s really no excuse to get this wrong.

Rule #2: You Don’t Need This

If you need something, it’s not going to happen. Sorry guys but that’s just life! This goes a little further though. A needy candidate is unemployable. Dating’s the same. Don’t screw up your chance of romance because you ‘really want this’. We don’t care how long it’s been.

Rule #3: Highlight Applicable Skills

So your date has a love for dogs? Obviously you should talk about your old Saturday job as a dog walker. Applicable skills! You’re always telling candidates to talk about the skills they can offer a company, well now it’s your turn. She’s a fan of pasta, did she know you’re an eighth Italian? You’ve got this!

Rule #4: Know Your CV

When prepping a candidate, you tell them to anticipate tricky questions about their CV. Well, what about those ridiculous uni pics on Facebook? How are you going to explain those? Your date has definitely stalked you on social media. Be prepared!

Rule #5: Shut Up!

Know when to talk and when not to. If your date’s talking about themselves, listen. Stop bragging about how amazing you are. It’s starting to get a little narcissistic. After all, every great salesperson knows how important listening is.

Rule #6: Find Out About the Company

No candidate should walk into an interview without a full understanding of the company they’re applying to. Maybe you should Google your date – it’s best to find their failed X Factor audition before your friends do.

Rule #7: Leave Them Wanting More

Never give them everything. You should always leave your date wanting more. Give a little taste of what you’re about but leave something hanging in the air. Trust us, mystery can make even the most boring people appear interesting.

Rule #8: Be Prepared

What do you tell your candidates before an interview? Remember to bring a notepad, pen, bottle of water and the job spec. Well, do the same for yourself. Are you prepared? Wallet? Keys? Phone? Reservation? Condom? You never know how the night might end.

Rule #9: Confidence is Everything

You know those cheesy movie scenes where people throw chat up lines at their reflection? Give it a try. Candidates prep interview questions in the mirror before an interview. Maybe you should do the same. It’ll do wonders for your confidence. At the end of the day, confidence is everything!

Good luck on your date! Although maybe it’s your date that needs luck. We know you’ll smash it. If you’re looking to take the next step in your recruitment career, take a look at our job board to find our latest vacancies.