“You wouldn’t reveal everything about yourself on a first date, would you? You’d listen as much as you’d talk, and you’d want to do everything to ensure the first date wasn’t your last. The same is true of an interview,” Klassen says.

Klassen, a professor in York University’s Department of Political Science, is co-author of A Practical Guide to Getting a Great Job After University, along with Dwyer, a professor in York’s Business and Society program.

Says Dwyer, “I tell my students that they can learn a lot from watching shows like The Bachelor or The Bachelorette. The nicest or best-looking person doesn’t always win the prize, and it’s easy to spot the people who screw up by giving away too much too early, by being too needy, or by sending signals that they’re a difficult personality.”

During an interview, employers are watching closely for the same traits, Klassen says.

“An employer is looking for someone who isn’t going to be too demanding. You do not want to come across as high maintenance.”

Dwyer cites desperation – a proverbial wet blanket when applied to the budding flames of desire – as a huge turn-off for interviewers, too.

“Focusing on one ideal job only adds to the pressure,” Dwyer says.

“An employer should not sense that your whole world revolves around getting that one position. As in the dating game, they should be left with the impression that you’re interested, but wondering whether you might have other offers, too.”

Their most important piece of advice is to be yourself, but on your best behaviour.

“Honesty is key,” says Klassen.

“In the reality TV dating shows, the successful candidate sometimes realizes that the prize isn’t worth the effort. In interviews, you have to be wary of the same thing – of trying too hard, tailoring your personality to a job that isn’t really you. If you are hired, you’ll be miserable.

It’s important to view employment relationships as relationships period,” Klassen says.

“It’s a human being, not a corporation, who is going to hire you. You’ve got to remember that and act accordingly.”

Their book is written to show university students how the critical, creative and communication skills learned as an undergraduate can transfer into a career.

York University is the leading interdisciplinary research and teaching university in Canada. York offers a modern, academic experience at the undergraduate and graduate level in Toronto, Canada’s most international city. The third largest university in the country, York is host to a dynamic academic community of 50,000 students and 7,000 faculty and staff, as well as 180,000 alumni worldwide. York’s 10 faculties and 21 research centres conduct ambitious, groundbreaking research that is interdisciplinary, cutting across traditional academic boundaries. This distinctive and collaborative approach is preparing students for the future and bringing fresh insights and solutions to real-world challenges.

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For further information, please contact:
Melissa Hughes, Media Relations, York University, 416-736-2100 x22097/mehughes@yorku.ca