The 2-Hour Job Search

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:

1. Write fewer than 75 words
2. Ask for insight and advice, not job leads
3. State your connection first
4. Make your request in the form of a question
5. Define your interest both narrowly and broadly
6. 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.

Last updated: November 19, 2024