In an increasingly competitive job market, many Americans are swiping not just for love…but for leads. A new ResumeBuilder survey of 2,225 dating app users found that one in three has used these platforms for career or professional purposes — and many are seeing tangible results.
A New Kind of Networking
According to the data, 34% of users say they turned to dating apps in the past year to network, seek job leads, or advance their careers. Nearly one in ten admitted that professional networking was their primary reason for being on the apps.
Platforms like Tinder, Bumble, and Facebook Dating top the list, while more exclusive options such as Raya and The League are attracting ambitious professionals looking to blend social and career connections.
The trend spans all age groups: about a third of users between 18 and 55 say they’ve used dating apps professionally. Men are somewhat more likely to do so than women (37% vs. 30%), and usage rises sharply with income — nearly half of users earning over $200,000 say they’ve leveraged dating apps for work-related networking.
Swiping for Success
Among those using dating apps to advance their careers, three in four said they deliberately matched with people in specific roles or industries, and two in three targeted users from desirable companies. Most sought to expand their networks (63%) or gain referrals and job leads (42%).
The approach appears surprisingly effective: 88% of those who used dating apps for job-related reasons said they made at least one useful professional connection. Nearly four in ten landed an interview, 37% received a referral or job offer, and 43% got mentorship or career advice. More than half even met their new contacts in person.
Why Dating Apps? A Struggling Job Market
The rise of “career swiping” appears to be driven by economic pressure and frustration with traditional networking tools. Nearly half of respondents cited the poor job market as a motivator, while 56% believed personal connections are the best route to employment.
Another 58% saw using dating apps for networking as a creative or strategic way to stand out.
Although 12% of users admitted to hiding their true intentions, most were transparent about seeking professional opportunities.
For many, dating apps now serve as a backdoor to opportunity in a tight labor market. Whether it’s a mentor, a referral, or even a job offer, these platforms are increasingly functioning as informal professional spaces — places where a match might lead not just to a date, but to a career breakthrough.
