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Job Seekers Turn to Dating Apps for Referrals and Interviews

A softer job market with automated resume screening is pushing applicants to bypass traditional channels for direct human contact.

Overview

  • A ResumeBuilder.com survey reported that about one-third of dating-app users sought matches for career help, with many saying tight hiring conditions motivated the approach.
  • Among respondents who tried it, 43% reported mentorship or advice, 39% interviews, 37% referrals or leads, and 37% job offers, while 10% said they saw no such outcomes.
  • U.S. unemployment reached 4.6% in November, with the rate for degree holders at 2.9% and young adults 20 to 24 at 8.3%, as applicants face AI screening and crowded job portals.
  • Dating platforms discourage the practice: Bumble says job-seeking is not aligned with its mission and Match-owned apps post similar guidance, whereas Grindr notes significant community use for networking.
  • Anecdotes show mixed results, from a student who gained interview tips and a makeup artist who landed a one-day gig to others who found the tactic stressful or off-putting and returned to conventional networking.