First dates are often compared to job interviews. Similar to a job interview, on a first date both parties are trying to learn about each other and suss out whether spending more time together would be a good fit. Possibility is in the air and nerves are aflutter.

Although I’d wager that most dates are more fun than job interviews (hopefully), a lot of the same etiquette applies.

Want to become awesome at first dates? Here’s a few job interview etiquette tips that you can apply to your dating life:

1. Do your research –

You don’t have to launch a full scale, CSI style internet investigation into your date prior to meeting them (because that’s just creepy), however reading through their profile before the date is really helpful. If you’re like me, you scan through a lot of online dating profiles to gage whether you’re interested in someone. Because of this, it’s easy for details to get jumbled. So, read through their profile before your date and see what jumps out at you. Maybe you never noticed that they really like rock-climbing – something that makes a great conversation jump off point. Showing interest and having a general idea of the person beforehand is never a bad thing.

After all, just like you wouldn’t go into a job interview for a Fashion PR position and say, “I love how your company has revolutionized the mining industry,” you don’t want to walk into a date and ask, “do you see yourself having kids?” – only to find out your date already has two (true story.)

2. Show up properly attired –

Like a job interview, when it comes to wardrobe, you want to show up to your date with your A-game in check. You’re trying to make a great impression, so you’ll want to ensure that what you’re wearing is neat, tidy and appropriate for the setting. For example, if you’re going for a casual coffee date, don’t show up in a cocktail dress or a three piece suit (unless that’s what you wear on a daily basis) when a crisp pair of jeans and a nice shirt would suffice- and whatever you do, don’t wear anything that is stained, wrinkled, dirty or uncomfortable to wear. You want to look your best, but you also want to feel like yourself.

Whereas for a job interview, you want to keep your look as polished and professional as possible, getting dressed for a date provides you with the opportunity to have more fun with your sartorial choices. If you feel most confident in a bold, printed dress – wear it. If you have an affinity for interesting ties – don’t be afraid to add a pop of colour. When getting dressed for a date, it never hurts to show your personality in the form of a statement piece – whether that’s a brightly hued tie or a unique piece of jewelry. (My go-to piece is an engraved Marc Jacobs bangle which never fails to be a conversation starter!)

3. Be on time!

When it comes to first dates and job interviews, nothing kills your chances like showing up late. Just like you would for a job interview, take some time beforehand to plan your route, giving yourself more than enough time to get there with some time to spare. Although many of us share the impulse to push everything to the last possible minute, you want to show up to your date as composed and confident as possible – not sweaty and out of breath because you ran the last five blocks there.

4. Be prepared to talk about yourself and listen actively –

There’s nothing more awkward than sitting across from someone on a date and feeling like you have to pull teeth just to get them to reveal anything about themselves. You wouldn’t be silent during a job interview, so why would you act this way on a date? Although I don’t believe you need to come armed, ready to discuss your “relationship resume” on the first date, you should be prepared to talk about yourself: what you like to do, your passions and your interests. If talking about yourself isn’t one of your strong points, ask the other person lots of questions and listen actively to their answers! You should be doing this anyways, but if you’re feeling a bit shy, this is a great way to open up the conversation and show that you’re interested in what they’re about.

5. Follow up –

Want to land your dream job or dream guy/girl? It’s all about following up. If you had a really great time with the person: let them know. This could be as simple as a quick text letting them know that you really enjoyed the time you spent together. Why should you follow up? Because it’s a great way to reaffirm your interest and open up the conversation to the possibility of seeing each other again. Also, it’s the polite, adult thing to do. Even if you’re not interested in seeing them again, thanking them for their time is good date karma.