How I Landed a Job Using a Dating-App-Inspired Website

Shari Williams captured attention in a competitive job market through a bold and unconventional method: constructing a website mirroring the feel of a dating app to showcase herself as the 'ideal candidate' for a job role.

This narrative recounts a discussion with Shari Williams, an experienced social media strategist located in Chicago. The dialog has been condensed and revised for clarity.

The Spark of an Unconventional Idea

Back in 2017, I was nearing the end of a four-month stint at an advertising agency without a sign of continuation. I realized an audacious move was necessary to get noticed.

Although my friends and husband initially doubted my strategy of building a dating-style webpage to market myself as the company's 'perfect choice,' I felt an inner conviction it could succeed.

Boldly, I shared my digital creation on LinkedIn and even distributed custom candy hearts carrying the web address among my colleagues. The initiative gained traction and drew the attention of the company's creative lead, resulting in a full-time employment proposition.

This experience underscored the benefits of daring to stand out.

Crafting a Platform with My Website Development Expertise

Having worked in web development for years, a change in personal circumstances steered me towards social media, eventually leading me to freelance work and a short-term position at Burrell Communications.

I thoroughly enjoyed the office environment and hoped to remain beyond my contract's expiry. Drawing inspiration from Nina Mulfeh, who created a personal website to join Airbnb, I elected to make a unique and memorable pitch using a dating-app themed site.

Building the 'Dating App' Website

Creating 'ShariLovesBurrell.com' took several weeks, largely filled with planning and designing the site, which featured a pink background and floating content.

I included playful 'profiles' for both myself and the company, using phrases reflecting a special connection. Additional pages displayed my work portfolio from my time at Burrell, glowing references from colleagues, and a section telling visitors more about me.

The website concluded with a graphic mimicking a Tinder match, declaring us a 'perfect pair.'

Mixed Reactions to a Bold Move

I shared my creative idea on LinkedIn and distributed conversation heart candies printed with the site's URL. These candies found their way to all desks at the office.

While many found the concept charming and inventive, others questioned its necessity for a job application.

Despite skepticism, the endeavor represented my commitment and willingness to go the extra mile for a role I valued.

Success: A Full-Time Position

The creative director's acknowledgment of my LinkedIn post marked an important turning point, leading to a full-time role offer as a social content manager.

Though I eventually moved on, the position greatly enhanced my professional trajectory, helping me secure further employment. Nowadays, I contribute as a lead social media strategist at Northwestern Medicine, applying lessons from my previous experience.

The Importance of Boldness in Job Hunting

Taking a risk and daring to stand out can be crucial in making up for what your résumé might lack in terms of accolades or prominent job titles. For anyone targeting a role they genuinely desire, sometimes being fearless and noticeable is the way to go.

If you've honed a skill, make sure it doesn't go unnoticed.