Forget dating apps – my new go-to for love is the business

It was during a rather painful week of work experience when my eye settled on an employee who I thought I should ask out for a drink. But how?

- ESME GORDON CRAIG

As an intern, I had barely a toe, let alone a foot, on the corporate ladder. And, obviously, I didn't want to make a move in front of my supervisor. I had no idea what his socials were - or even his surname. All I knew was his first name.

But this is where LinkedIn comes into its own - and, as I've discovered, it is really the only platform you need to get a date.

I found his profile, messaged him asking for career advice, we went for a coffee, sparks flew - and it wasn't long before we had a real date in the diary.

If it sounds cringeworthy to use a professional networking platform to ask someone out, that's because it is - but have you been on the actual dating apps lately? They're a binfire of no-hopers and try-hards. At least LinkedIn has all the necessary information to see if someone might be a viable playmate.

You can see someone's career, education, interests and hobbies, even if they volunteer with a charity. You get the full picture, which guards against being catfished. You are also guaranteed that they will look better in person than their ultra-corporate profile pic.