People often tell me that they’ve applied for dozens of jobs, only to hear “no” time and time again. Job hunting can be like dating, and a series of rejections really hurts. In those cases I always think, “Well, if they don’t fancy me, then they can’t possibly have good taste – so I don’t fancy them, either!” I believe that, much like love, you will find the perfect career match at the right time, in the right place.

Just like the right men/women, are you going after the right jobs? Are you speed dating or have you spotted your dream guy and hatched a long-winded, Austen-worthy plan to get him? Interviewers these days want someone who is loyal and committed to the company and really, really wants the job.

If you’re applying to a small business, it’s crucial that you get relevant experience. I spent the first six years of building WAH Nails thinking I could hire people from another industry and train them in beauty. This is doable in a large company, but, without the extra resources for that training, it never worked out for us. Your interviewers could be nervous about the level of investment required to bring you up to speed. You can combat this in two ways: get extra training, or make them see that you are a determined and fast learner.

Pick one company you really want to work for. Research the hell out of it and ace the interview with your intimate knowledge of the business (and your great ideas). If you don’t get the role, ask for detailed feedback, including any qualifications you’re missing. Get said skills before knocking on the door again, the next time a job comes up. They’ll see that you are focused, passionate, determined and willing to do whatever it takes. It’s a lot harder for them to say no.

• Sharmadean Reid is the founder of WAH Nails and beautystack.com