Workers Turn to Dating Apps to Find Jobs, Referrals, and Clients

Professionals are using Tinder, Grindr, and other dating platforms to network and advance their careers.

Published on Feb. 15, 2026

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In a tough job market, some workers are turning to dating apps like Tinder, Grindr, and Hinge to find employment opportunities, job referrals, and even new clients. Professionals across industries, from hospitality to tech, are leveraging these platforms to make connections and get their foot in the door. While blending romance and work can be risky, many say the untraditional approach has paid off, leading to interviews, gigs, and new business relationships.

Why it matters

The rise of using dating apps for professional networking highlights the challenges job seekers face in a competitive market, as well as the evolving nature of how people build connections and find opportunities. It also raises questions about the boundaries between personal and professional relationships.

The details

Workers like Devan Barker, a 31-year-old from West Hollywood, are spending more time searching for jobs on dating apps alongside traditional job boards. After a scooter accident left him out of work for months, Barker has found some success connecting with bartenders and servers on Grindr who have helped him get interviews and referrals. Meanwhile, Lexie Flynn, a 27-year-old social media manager, met a client on Hinge and landed a gig managing his social media. And Vigna Grace, a 26-year-old product manager, used Tinder dates as an 'inside look' at different companies she could work for, even getting a referral to a job at Spotify.

  • Barker has been job-hunting for several months since his accident.
  • Flynn connected with her Hinge match and client in October 2025.
  • Grace used Tinder to network when she was 21 years old, shortly after graduating college.

The players

Devan Barker

A 31-year-old from West Hollywood who is looking for serving and bartending jobs after a scooter accident left him out of work for months.

Lexie Flynn

A 27-year-old social media manager from Philadelphia who met a client on Hinge and landed a gig managing his social media.

Vigna Grace

A 26-year-old product manager from London who used Tinder dates as an 'inside look' at different companies she could work for, even getting a referral to a job at Spotify.

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What they’re saying

“I've noticed that I've had more success on these apps. There's no room for embarrassment.”

— Devan Barker

“When I do see 'business owner,' that's the first place my mind goes to. I'm 100% stalking their business on social media.”

— Lexie Flynn

“I've always liked to work from home.”

— Vigna Grace

The takeaway

The growing trend of using dating apps for professional networking highlights the creative ways job seekers are trying to stand out and make connections in a challenging job market. While blending romance and work can be risky, some professionals are finding success in leveraging these platforms to find new opportunities, referrals, and even clients.