Want to score with your dream company? So does everyone else. Getting past first base isn’t something that just happens—you have to outwork the competition so you’re more attractive than any other candidate they’re considering. Your appearance, professional presence, and what you say (or all too often don’t say), will determine whether you’re going to get that highly coveted offer or get rejected. To stand out from the crowd, you should do the following:

1. Turn heads. Attraction is what makes the dating world go round. And, like it or not, when it comes to the job search attraction can be just as important. From a professional looking résumé to a sharp looking suit, if you look the part, that will help you get the part.
2. Fight first-date jitters. Think of a first-round interview like a first date. You’re typically anxious, and you have no idea what to expect. During a job interview, you’re trying to find out more about the potential employer, and the employer is trying to find out more about you. Like dating, where you focus on asking yourself questions such as “I wonder what he’s looking for” or “I wonder if she’ll like me,” during the interview process, don’t let your nerves get the best of you. Focus on making the connection between your skills and abilities and the job and why you think you’d be a good fit with the organization.
3. Avoid tired pick-up lines. I’m sorry, but “I want to work for you because you’re a top company” is not going to cut it. Instead, you want to prove to the recruiter that you’re genuinely interested in the company, the position, and to convince him or her why you should be hired over all of the other candidates. Come ready to talk about your background, why you moved from one job to the next and how those choices landed you on the interviewer’s doorstep.
4. Go for the goodnight kiss. The close of an interview is a lot like the end of a date. You’re nervous, often wondering whether the person you’re with wants to give you a romantic goodnight kiss, the “let’s be friends” hug, or the ever disappointing “don’t call me, I won’t call you” handshake. To seal the deal, reaffirm your interest in the position (the equivalent of “call me”) and ask about next steps in the interview process (the equivalent of “will I see you again?”).
5. Don’t wait by the phone. Unlike the world of dating where you might play “hard to get,” when it comes to job interviews, prompt follow up is everything—send a thank-you email or note within 48 hours. Your thank-you note functions just like a text message or phone call within a day or so of a date that went well. No follow-up means you’re clearly not interested in pursuing a relationship.

Whether you’re hoping for a second date or a second-round interview or job offer, you want them to feel that spark—that feeling that you’re “the one” for them. Don’t leave it to chance. Leverage your dating skills to score with your dream employer.