Desperate job seekers turn to dating apps for work, 1 in 3 now swipe up for interviews
A new survey finds that one in three dating app users in the US are looking for career opportunities through dating platforms like Tinder, Bumble and Hinge.
Looking for a new job? How about looking on Tinder? It may seem odd, unconventional, even strange, but a growing number of professionals are now turning to dating apps to look for jobs, referrals, and interviews. The reason? Well, users are finding it difficult to get jobs through traditional recruiting channels like LinkedIn or Glassdoor. According to a report, these platforms are becoming increasingly crowded, competitive and less effective at standing out. So now professionals are switching to dating apps to connect with the right person for the job.
As Bloomberg reported, nearly one in three dating app users have used platforms like Tinder, Bumble or Hinge for career-related purposes in the past year, according to a recent survey by ResumeBuilder.com. This change comes at a time when the job market is becoming more competitive and uncertainty is increasing, partly driven by disruption associated with artificial intelligence.
The survey, from 2,225 US-based dating app users, found that 34 percent had actively tried to find job leads, interviews or professional connections through dating apps. For many people, this approach really helped them connect with the right person for the job. Of those who sought work this way, 39 percent said they had secured a job interview, while 37 percent said they had received a job offer. Meanwhile, a large number of survey takers also admitted that they received referrals or useful career advice along the way.
So why are job seekers turning to dating apps?
One of the main reasons appears to be the tight labor market. The survey revealed that about 42 percent of respondents used dating apps for work-related purposes because it was difficult to find job opportunities elsewhere. As online job portals are flooded with applications and recruiters increasingly rely on automated screening tools, many candidates say they feel lost in the system. However, dating apps are helping them by offering more direct, one-on-one interactions that feel personal and human.
As a result, users are no longer swiping just for romance. Instead, many people are scanning profiles for professional clues like company name, industry, or job title, and starting conversations with clear career goals in mind. Interestingly, this trend is not limited to fresh graduates. Professionals of all ages say they are using dating apps as informal networking platforms in the hopes of getting mentorship, referrals or insider advice that can help them stand out.
Dating apps are helping people get jobs
And finding jobs on dating apps is also working. According to the survey, about 88 percent of users who looked for work on dating apps said they made at least one career-related connection. About 43 percent received counseling or professional guidance, 39 percent received an interview, and 37 percent received a referral or job offer. Only about 10 percent said their efforts yielded no concrete results.
