The Independent's journalism is supported by our readers. When you purchase through links on our site, we may earn commission. 

Website recruiting for ‘professional wingmen/women’ - and will pay £30 an hour

Become a professional matchmaker

Olivia Petter
Wednesday 15 August 2018 11:57 BST
Comments
(Getty Images/iStockphoto)

Your support helps us to tell the story

From reproductive rights to climate change to Big Tech, The Independent is on the ground when the story is developing. Whether it's investigating the financials of Elon Musk's pro-Trump PAC or producing our latest documentary, 'The A Word', which shines a light on the American women fighting for reproductive rights, we know how important it is to parse out the facts from the messaging.

At such a critical moment in US history, we need reporters on the ground. Your donation allows us to keep sending journalists to speak to both sides of the story.

The Independent is trusted by Americans across the entire political spectrum. And unlike many other quality news outlets, we choose not to lock Americans out of our reporting and analysis with paywalls. We believe quality journalism should be available to everyone, paid for by those who can afford it.

Your support makes all the difference.

With apps for just about every kind of niche preference imaginable and quippy terms to describe the way behave in romance, the contemporary dating landscape is nothing if not bespoke.

Now, there’s even an online service encouraging people to apply to be “professional wingmen and wing women” whereby you would be paid to help people find love in real life.

Service website Bark is currently advertising for the role, promising at least £30 an hour to successful applicants.

The idea is that hired ‘wing people’ will help introduce clients to potential dates in public spaces.

As with most jobs, there is a list of criteria to meet.

Applicants must be over the age of 18 in order to get into clubs and bars with clients.

They must ideally be confident enough to approach strangers and facilitate introductions between potential dates and the client with minimal awkwardness.

The website also stresses that professionals must not flirt or try to land dates themselves while on the job.

According to Kai Feller, co-founder of Bark.com, website users have long-requested a service such as this one.

“We’ve received hundreds of requests this year looking for dating professionals on the platform,” she said.

“The main reason we’ve seen is that online dating isn’t working for them and/or their friends are all coupled-up and can’t help them anymore.”

Prospective matchmakers can sign up to the service here.

Join our commenting forum

Join thought-provoking conversations, follow other Independent readers and see their replies

Comments

Thank you for registering

Please refresh the page or navigate to another page on the site to be automatically logged inPlease refresh your browser to be logged in