Job hunting is like dating now—in all the worst ways

Job hunting has become eerily similar to dating in the modern era, with both experiences fraught with overwhelming choice and a sense of disposability. Technology aimed at helping job seekers find their perfect match has only exacerbated these issues, creating environments where everyone feels overwhelmed and disposable. Automated screening and mass applications have made it harder to stand out as a serious candidate, leading to feelings of exhaustion and financial strain.

Ghosting, a term borrowed from dating, has also crept into job hunting, with many candidates experiencing positive interviews only to be ghosted by hiring managers. A new study found that 62% of job seekers plan to ghost a future employer, up from 37% in 2019. This mentality has led to a vicious cycle, with candidates who expect to be ignored applying to more jobs and investing less time in each one.

Despite landing a job, many employees feel like they're in "situationships" with their workplaces, viewing their jobs as temporary placeholders until they find something better. A Gallup report reveals that global employee engagement has declined for the second year in a row, with just 31% of U.S. employees feeling engaged at work in 2025.

This disengagement often manifests as employees checking out of their jobs or passively scrolling through job ads. Experts argue that while technology may have exacerbated these issues, the solution may lie in more traditional approaches. In-person recruiting events, similar to dating events, are providing opportunities for employers and candidates to meet and build genuine connections.

Salary tokens, like a "superlike" on dating apps, are also being used to prioritize roles and show genuine interest. Additionally, companies can benefit from not expecting the perfect match and instead investing in employees who are close to the ideal candidate profile. Ultimately, just like in dating, landing a job is only the first step, and employees should not expect a perfect fit forever, as both jobs and relationships have their ups and downs.