Key Takeaways
1. The Modern Job Search: Why Traditional Methods Fail
Technology effectively ruined the "mail and wait" job search strategy because it is now far more difficult for employers to pick out the few interesting applicants from the massive new influx of casual applicants.
Online applications are ineffective. The ease of applying online has led to an overwhelming number of applications for each job posting, making it nearly impossible for employers to review them all. Instead, employers rely heavily on internal referrals to fill positions. Research shows that for every one position filled through an online application, twelve are filled through internal referrals.
Networking is crucial. The modern job search requires a strategic approach to networking and building relationships with potential advocates within target companies. This involves:
- Identifying and prioritizing target employers
- Reaching out to contacts within those companies
- Conducting informational interviews to gain insights and build rapport
- Following up consistently to maintain relationships and stay top-of-mind
2. LAMP List: Prioritizing Your Job Search Targets
Getting internal referrals is simply the only predictable way to get interviews; getting them efficiently is the core challenge of the modern job search.
Create a targeted employer list. The LAMP (List, Advocacy, Motivation, Posting) list is a systematic method for creating and prioritizing a list of at least 40 target employers. This process involves:
- List: Identifying potential employers through various methods (e.g., dream employers, alumni connections, job postings)
- Advocacy: Determining the likelihood of finding a sympathetic contact within each company
- Motivation: Rating your personal interest level in each employer
- Posting: Assessing the relevance and urgency of current job openings
Prioritize efficiently. By sorting the LAMP list based on these factors, job seekers can focus their efforts on the employers most likely to yield positive results, maximizing the return on their networking efforts.
3. The Power of Informational Interviews
Informationals usually start off with easy small talk, but you need to be prepared to answer the Big Four—four questions so frequently asked during any interview (informational or otherwise) that they get their own nickname.
Leverage informational interviews. These conversations are crucial for building relationships, gaining insider knowledge, and potentially securing job interviews. Key aspects of effective informational interviews include:
- Preparing for common questions (e.g., "Tell me about yourself," "Why our company?")
- Focusing on learning about the contact's experiences and insights
- Demonstrating genuine interest in the company and industry
- Asking thoughtful questions that showcase your knowledge and enthusiasm
Build rapport and gain information. The dual goals of informational interviews are to establish a connection with the contact and gather valuable insights about the company, industry, and potential job opportunities.
4. The 6-Point Email: Crafting Effective Outreach
There is no need to creativity when facing a problem that already has an effective solution. The 6-Point Email is this effective solution.
Master the 6-Point Email. This approach to outreach is designed to maximize response rates from potential contacts. The six key points are:
- Write fewer than 75 words
- Ask for insight and advice, not job leads
- State your connection first
- Make your request in the form of a question
- Define your interest both narrowly and broadly
- Keep over half the word count about the contact, not about you
Appeal to social norms. The 6-Point Email leverages the power of social norms and the desire to help others, rather than relying on market norms or self-interest. This approach is more likely to resonate with "Boosters" – contacts who genuinely enjoy helping others.
5. The 3B7 Routine: Managing Job Search Contacts
The 3B7 Routine is baking, not cooking!
Implement the 3B7 Routine. This systematic approach to managing job search contacts involves:
- Setting reminders for 3 business days (3B) and 7 business days (7B) after initial outreach
- Using the 3B reminder to assess whether a contact is likely a "Booster" (responds quickly) or not
- Following up after 7B if no response is received
- Initiating contact with a new person at the same company if the first contact is unresponsive
Maintain momentum. The 3B7 Routine helps job seekers stay organized and proactive in their outreach efforts, ensuring that no potential opportunities are missed due to lack of follow-up.
6. TIARA Framework: Conducting Impactful Informational Interviews
The fundamental thesis of TIARA is that you'll begin the conversation by treating your contacts as experts in their field, but over the course of the informational, your questions will shift in tone and depth so you frame your contact more personally as a mentor, maximizing the chance that you'll turn this stranger into an advocate within a single conversation.
Use the TIARA Framework. This structured approach to informational interviews covers five key areas:
- Trends: Discussing industry trends and changes
- Insights: Exploring the contact's personal experiences and lessons learned
- Advice: Seeking guidance on career preparation and job search strategies
- Resources: Identifying valuable industry resources and connections
- Assignments: Learning about specific projects and work responsibilities
Build advocacy. By following this framework, job seekers can gradually transform their contacts from experts to potential mentors and advocates, increasing the likelihood of securing job referrals and interviews.
7. The Harvest Cycle: Maximizing Follow-Up Benefits
Because the job search offers such uncertainty and long-delayed rewards, committing to a structured approach like the Harvest Cycle is critical—otherwise, it becomes far too easy to avoid or abandon a job search before your efforts have a chance to yield their full returns.
Implement the Harvest Cycle. This systematic follow-up process involves:
- Sending a thank-you email within 24 hours of an informational interview
- Setting a reminder to provide an update on your progress in two weeks (if a referral was offered)
- Establishing a recurring monthly reminder to check in with each contact
Leverage subsequent relevance. Regular check-ins serve multiple purposes:
- Reminding contacts that you're still job-seeking
- Renewing your interest in their company
- Prompting contacts to share newly relevant information or opportunities they may have learned about
By consistently following up, job seekers can maximize the long-term benefits of their networking efforts and increase their chances of securing job interviews and offers.
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FAQ
What's The 2-Hour Job Search about?
- Efficient Job Search: The 2-Hour Job Search by Steve Dalton provides a systematic approach to job searching, emphasizing the use of technology to streamline the process.
- Networking Focus: It highlights the importance of networking and internal referrals over traditional online applications.
- LAMP Methodology: The book introduces the LAMP list (List, Advocacy, Motivation, Posting) as a framework for prioritizing target employers.
- Speedrun Approach: The job search is likened to a "speedrun" in gaming, where efficiency and strategy are key.
Why should I read The 2-Hour Job Search?
- Modern Insights: The book offers insights into the current job market and how technology has changed job applications.
- Practical Strategies: Readers learn actionable strategies for networking and securing interviews, focusing on internal referrals.
- Time Efficiency: It promises to save time and reduce stress, making it ideal for busy professionals or students.
- Real-World Examples: The author shares success stories and practical examples to illustrate the strategies.
What are the key takeaways of The 2-Hour Job Search?
- Networking is Essential: Internal referrals are the most effective way to secure interviews.
- LAMP List Creation: Readers are guided to create a LAMP list to prioritize their job search efforts.
- Advocacy Importance: Finding advocates within target companies is crucial for job search success.
- Structured Approach: The book provides a structured method to transform the job search into a manageable process.
What is the LAMP list in The 2-Hour Job Search?
- Four Components: The LAMP list consists of List, Advocacy, Motivation, and Posting, each serving a specific purpose.
- Prioritization Strategy: It helps job seekers focus on promising employers by evaluating advocacy potential, motivation, and job postings.
- Time Efficiency: Completing the LAMP list takes about two hours, setting the foundation for a job search.
- Target Employers: It allows job seekers to identify and prioritize at least forty employers.
How does the LAMP list help in job searching?
- Identifies Employers: It helps identify and prioritize employers beyond the "usual suspects."
- Focuses on Referrals: Emphasizes advocacy, encouraging job seekers to seek connections within target companies.
- Streamlines Process: The structured approach helps manage time effectively, focusing on relevant opportunities.
- Increases Success: By focusing on internal referrals, it significantly improves the chances of landing interviews.
What is the significance of Advocacy in the LAMP list?
- Proxy for Support: Advocacy serves as a proxy for finding a sympathetic contact at a target employer.
- Enhances Success: Advocates can significantly increase the chances of getting interviews and job offers.
- Networking Focus: It highlights the importance of networking in the job search process.
- Builds Relationships: Encourages job seekers to build relationships rather than relying solely on online applications.
What is the 6-Point Email in The 2-Hour Job Search?
- Concise Outreach: The 6-Point Email is a structured email format designed to request informational meetings efficiently.
- Focus on Favor: It asks for insight and advice, making it more appealing to potential contacts.
- Structured Approach: Includes six specific points to guide the content, ensuring it is direct and relevant.
- Increases Response: This format helps increase the likelihood of receiving a response from busy professionals.
How do I effectively network using the methods in The 2-Hour Job Search?
- Identify Contacts: Use the LAMP list to identify potential advocates within your target companies.
- Utilize LinkedIn: Leverage LinkedIn to find and reach out to contacts using custom search features.
- Follow Up: Be prepared to follow up and maintain communication with your contacts.
- Build Relationships: Focus on building relationships to secure referrals and job opportunities.
What is the 3B7 Routine in The 2-Hour Job Search?
- Tracking Outreach: The 3B7 Routine involves setting reminders for follow-ups three and seven business days after sending an email.
- Identifying Boosters: Helps identify "Boosters" based on their response time.
- Systematic Follow-Up: Ensures a structured approach to outreach, maintaining momentum in the job search.
- Efficient Management: Helps manage time effectively and avoid missed opportunities.
What are Boosters, Obligates, and Curmudgeons in The 2-Hour Job Search?
- Boosters: Individuals who are genuinely willing to help and advocate for you.
- Obligates: Contacts who may feel a duty to respond but offer less meaningful assistance.
- Curmudgeons: Individuals unlikely to respond or engage in networking.
- Networking Strategy: Understanding these categories helps tailor your networking approach.
How do I conduct an effective informational interview according to The 2-Hour Job Search?
- Prepare with TIARA: Use the TIARA framework (Trends, Insights, Advice, Resources, Assignments) to guide the conversation.
- Start with Small Talk: Build rapport before diving into substantive questions.
- Ask Open-Ended Questions: Encourage contacts to share experiences and insights.
- Gather Valuable Information: Focus on gathering useful information for your job search.
What are the best quotes from The 2-Hour Job Search and what do they mean?
- "Less is more.": Emphasizes brevity in communication, particularly in outreach emails.
- "Networking is about others, not yourself.": Highlights the importance of building relationships and helping others.
- "Hope is not a strategy.": Reminds readers that a structured approach is essential for job search success.
- Core Principles: These quotes encapsulate the book's core principles and strategies.
Review Summary
The 2-Hour Job Search receives mostly positive reviews for its systematic approach to job hunting, focusing on networking and informational interviews. Readers appreciate the actionable advice, particularly the LAMP method for targeting companies and the guidance on effective communication. Some find the writing style repetitive or MBA-centric, but many credit the book with improving their job search strategies. While not universally applicable, it's highly recommended for recent graduates and those seeking a structured approach to networking and job searching.
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