Last month, a study came out which revealed more bad news for unemployed guys: most women put them in the undatable column. Forty-two percent said that they’d only date an unemployed guy if he had a plan for getting back on his feet. And, fully a third of women said they would not date someone who was unemployed at all. However, just as there are ways for unemployed folks to make themselves more appealing to potential employers, there are ways to up your dating appeal, as well.

Don’t lie about being unemployed.

Dishonesty is a pretty big dealbreaker in dating, particularly during the getting to know you period. You probably do not want to say on your PLM profile that you are out of work, but, it should be mentioned by the first date.

In this economy, a lot of people are out of work through no fault of their own. If you can show someone that you are still a catch, she’s not going to hold your current status against you.

Keep busy with charity activities.

Dedicate a few hours a week to a cause that is important to you. Not only does that keep your skills up for job hunting, it keeps you upbeat and positive. This positive attitude makes you much more attractive as a dating prospect. Plus, it shows that you’re an active person, and that you’re not sitting on the couch eating Funyuns and watching daytime TV.

Start some sort of small business.

Again, being and looking busy is good. Now, remember the first tip: do not BS about the size of your new endeavor. But, letting your new date know that you are filling the numerous free hours unemployment has given you with learning to program and creating the latest killer smart phone app makes you a more interesting prospect than someone who is sitting waiting by the phone.

Don’t be bitter.

Unemployment, particularly protracted unemployment, is demoralizing. It can be very hard to keep positive. You probably have all sorts of feelings about the company that let you go, and about the ones that aren’t giving you a chance.

Leave all those behind when you walk out the door to go on your date.

On a date, no one wants to hear how you’ve been wronged by the world, no matter how true it is. Guys who complain about that sort of thing come off kind of pathetic, at best, and a little scary at worst.

Guys who, on the other hand, are philosophical about their bad breaks and optimistic for their futures are alluring. Keep upbeat, hopeful and active, and your enthusiasm will outweigh any negatives.

Are you unemployed and dating? Share some of your dating tips in the comments.

Photo: chichacha