My Head In the Clouds

Swipe Right or Apply Now? The Surprising Parallels Between Job Hunt and Partner Search

Navigating Dubai’s competitive, expat-rich job market, I can’t help but notice how much finding a job feels like finding a life partner, especially if you’ve done both the long way round.

Fifteen years of job-hopping and a solid tour of the arranged marriage circuit? Let’s just say I’ve clocked more interviews and coffee “meetings” than most.

The Nerves Are the Same
Whether it’s a job interview or a potential rishta (arranged marriage) meeting, the opening act is identical: anticipation, anxiety, and sweaty palms. Both begin with the timeless opener:
“So, tell me about yourself?”

Sure, partner meetings aren’t always that direct, but they’re still about the same questions: What do you bring to the table? What’s your long-term vision? How will you balance career and life responsibilities?

“Ever walked into an office and just knew it wasn’t ‘the one’ – flat energy, drab décor and a commute that felt like a modern-day pilgrimage?” You mentally check out before the interview even begins. Same in partner search. Sometimes you’re just counting down the minutes of a painfully polite coffee date.

And then, come the “memorable” encounters

There was the guy who spent the entire meeting staring past me at the wall behind, making me wonder if he had a squint or a romantic history with the said wall. Then there was the ever-charming gentleman who declared my 5’2” height as not quite “ideal” and to top it all off, suggested I wear heels at all times.

How can I forget the middlemen

“Marriage bureaus and recruiters are basically the same species -one matches resumes to job titles, the other matches biodatas to wedding invites.” Some charge lakhs for a CXO role; others for your “perfect match,” curated based on education, income, pedigree and let’s be honest – skin tone.

Moreover, if you’ve ever dealt with one of these well-meaning, eloquent agents who call both parties to their office for a meet up, you are almost tempted to quote that classic Bollywood line:

“Aap broker hain ya party?”
(Are you the middleman, or are you the actual groom?)

Same Lessons, Different Stakes

In the end, whether you’re chasing a job title or a plus-one, answering the same questions over and over again, or faking enthusiasm requires stamina, resilience and a very good sense of self-deprecating humour.

“Above all, both job hunts and partner searches teach you this:

Know your worth. Read between the lines. Wait patiently for the right opportunity (or person). And when it finally arrives – enjoy the ride,heels or no heels.”