A few insights from an unemployed and single guy.

In case you didn't read the "About Me" section of this blog, I am unemployed and single.

Having been both for quite a while, I've begun to see some correlations between the two.

Specifically, how similar the process of applying for a job and asking a lady out, actually are.

Think about it, when unemployed you spend a good bit of time looking for the perfect job or at least one that's not too bad.

And when single, you spend the majority of the time at the bar (at least that's where I do most of my window-shopping) looking for the one girl who doesn't have sunglasses so big that you'd swear she bought them on a dare or at least a lady who might actually be cool.

This whole job search thing can be quite nerve-wracking. If not for the obvious reason of needing to pay the bills, but for the: I am going to spend the majority of my waking life employed in whatever activity this job turns-out to be. That is a lot of pressure.

The same can be said for looking for a lady. In theory, you date to find the woman you are going to spend the rest of your life with…that too, is a lot of pressure. (I'm not saying there's anything wrong with coming across a couple Miss Right-Nows while on the search.)

But all that aside, back to comparing the tasks of finding a job and finding a lady.

First off, there's the whole gussying-up to better your chances of finding that perfect job or lady.

In the case of the job search, you try to present yourself as best as possible, on paper. You dust-off the resume and use it to talk yourself up a bit. You buy fine paper, with a watermark, even. Just to show that you really care. And much like when you are hitting the town, you roll with a posse. In job search terms this posse is referred to as "References."

In the case of a lady, you do the same thing, but you present yourself in person. You shower just before you go-out, to ensure maximum "So Fresh and so Clean"-liness. You then toss on a nice shirt, one that even buttons-down. You then rally the crew for some back-up and hit the scene.

I'll admit, the approaches are not similar, but both are highly scrutinized. And in both you are trying to set yourself apart from everyone else.

In the case of the job search, the initial application is usually done online, but your resume is poured-over. You aren't guaranteed an interview, and if there are typos or anything wrong with the application you won't even get an interview.

In the case of a lady, the approach is far more difficult, as it is face-to-face. Your application is that button-down shirt, your shellacked hair and your approach. If she doesn't like what she sees, you won't even make it to the interview.

One observation in my recent job search is that group interviews seem to be the norm. As such, you'll have to know your resume inside-out and how it applies to the position you are applying for. You'll also have to be confident enough to speak-up in front of others who are trying to take the job away from you.

The same can be said for asking a lady out. Chances are you aren't the only game in town, if you've noticed her, so has another dude. And once you've bought her a drink (which means you are officially into the interview portion of the night) many poachers will be on the look-out to move-in and take the lady away from you.

Just remember, the interview is your chance to shine. You put-in the leg-work to get to this point, so now it's time to dazzle!

In the case of the job search, you have your resume and know the job description. So tailoring your responses is relatively easy. You simply tie past experiences to the responsibilities listed. You may have to adjust to a couple off-the-wall questions, but layer that with a bit of schmoozing and you should be on to the next interview. Maybe even one that only features you!

Now in the case of a lady, you do have a mental resume (sometimes referred to as 'Game') but no job description. This is where you have to engage in the fine art of conversation. Not only do you have to sell your finer points, but engage the lady to figure-out what she's looking for. You have to adapt on-the-fly and tailor your resume to her requirements. Do that, along with a sprinkling of compliments and you should be on your way to getting a date. Maybe even on that doesn't feature your crew!

What happens next is up to you.

Now I am no expert on getting a job or dating.

But the one thing I have learned is to remember to have fun with each.

An interview is the only time you are expected to talk- or even brag-about yourself. No one is more familiar with the topic than you. And remember that you are the biggest benefactor from the effort.

It's also not that big of a deal. There are plenty of jobs out there and plenty of ladies as well.

If you don't like your job, get another one.

If she doesn't pan-out, just move-on.

Whether looking for a job or a date, it's all about putting your best foot forward and meeting new people.

I've found that as long as you are putting your best foot forward, things tend to work-out for the best.

So keep your head-up and have fun.