The 2-Hour Job Search

Is simply applying for endless job postings the best use of your time, or is there a smarter way to land your dream role in today's digital world?

1. Online Applications Alone Won't Secure Your Job

Relying solely on online job applications often leads to frustration and disappointment. While the internet has made job hunting more accessible, it has also contributed to the overwhelming flood of applications that employers receive. This avalanche of applicants makes it harder for any one candidate to stand out.

Many companies use online job postings as a formality, often hiring internally or through personal recommendations instead. Simply clicking "apply" on countless job listings might feel productive, but it rarely leads to desired outcomes. This makes it essential to shift your strategy from quantity to quality.

Instead of spending hours applying online, consider other avenues, like building relationships or targeting specific companies. These approaches often bypass the digital pipeline that filters out many qualified candidates.

Examples

• Studies show that internal referrals often lead to higher chances of getting hired than online applications.
• A single job posting at a popular company can attract hundreds, even thousands, of applicants, overwhelming hiring managers.
• Many HR departments rely on automated systems to filter candidates, leaving thoughtful applications unseen.

2. Create a List of 40 Target Employers

The key to an effective job search is narrowing your focus. Instead of randomly scouring the internet, create a list of 40 potential employers you’re interested in working for. This brings focus and helps you explore companies beyond the obvious choices.

Start by dividing your list into four groups of ten. Dream employers should top the first group, including iconic or well-established organizations you've always admired. The second should feature companies hiring people with backgrounds like yours. The third group can consist of organizations found on job boards, while the fourth includes trending or newly relevant companies making waves in your field.

This structured approach gives you a clear starting point and a well-rounded view of your options.

Examples

• Searching LinkedIn Groups for alumni or peers who work at companies you might like.
• Exploring news articles or industry websites to find emerging companies making headlines.
• Using job boards to identify novel employers you'd otherwise overlook.

3. Build Connections with Internal Advocates

To stand out, find internal advocates—employees at your target organizations who can vouch for you. Companies prefer internal referrals over strangers from the job portal because referred candidates come with trusted recommendations.

Start by identifying employees who share a connection with you, such as alumni from your school, acquaintances, or members of the same professional groups. The goal isn’t to request a job right away but to build relationships. An internal advocate can help get your resume noticed and, if all goes well, guide you through the hiring process.

Examples

• Employers like the New York Federal Reserve hire a dozen people through referrals for every one they hire through the online system.
• Alumni from your former school can offer direct insights and even endorse your profile.
• Connections from LinkedIn Groups can open doors to important introductions.

4. Motivation Matters More Than You Think

Before pursuing any company, assess your genuine interest. Motivation fuels the job search and signals enthusiasm in your interactions with advocates and potential employers. Without it, the effort can appear half-hearted, reducing your chances of success.

Rank the companies on your list by scoring your interest on a scale of 1 to 3. Evaluate what excites you about each company, from its mission to its growth opportunities. Your passion will also reflect during outreach and interviews, increasing the chances of making a meaningful impression.

Examples

• A tech enthusiast might prioritize companies developing groundbreaking software or devices.
• Someone passionate about sustainability may focus on organizations making a measurable environmental impact.
• A job that aligns with career goals, such as advancing from junior to leadership roles, drives deeper interest.

5. Use Online Job Postings Strategically

While you shouldn’t rely solely on online job boards, they still serve a purpose. Use them not as a primary tool but as a way to gather insights about hiring trends and roles.

Stick to your list of 40 employers and monitor their postings for relevant opportunities. Even job ads that aren’t an exact match can provide clues about what the company is looking for or signal that they’re actively hiring. Then, use this information to craft better outreach messages or refine your approach.

Examples

• Finding a job posting that aligns partially with your skill set suggests an opening to initiate contact.
• Companies posting repeatedly might indicate active hiring cycles.
• Recent job listings can highlight specific departments expanding within the organization.

6. Using LinkedIn for Targeted Research

LinkedIn is a powerful tool for job seekers when used strategically. Begin by searching your top companies and looking for employees who match your desired criteria, such as shared alma maters, functional relevance, or seniority.

Filter contacts by their roles or recent promotions to prioritize those who can most effectively aid you in progressing. This targeted research ensures that you reach out to the right people, maximizing the chance of a reliable reply.

Examples

• A LinkedIn search showing a senior manager from your university at a dream company.
• Recent promotions on profiles indicate employees with growing influence and better advocacy potential.
• Connections from past internships or shared professional groups make excellent starting points.

7. Writing a Concise Outreach Message

Your outreach message is the first step to building a meaningful connection. Craft it carefully by keeping the tone courteous, the word count under 75, and the request simple.

Begin by referencing your shared connection (like being an alumnus). Then frame your question naturally, avoiding generic phrases or mentions of job applications right away. It’s about engaging the person, piquing their interest, and encouraging a genuine two-way conversation.

Examples

• Mentioning shared university programs grabs the reader’s interest.
• Simple questions, such as "Can you share your experience transitioning to your current role?" spark conversation.
• Avoid overwhelming the recipient by talking about yourself too much.

8. Prepare Well for Informational Interviews

Getting an informational interview—a casual conversation with someone who can share helpful insights—can be a game-changer. However, showing up unprepared can ruin your chances of making a good impression.

Research both the company and the employee before the call. Knowing their goals, recent developments, or products makes you appear engaged. Also, prepare open-ended questions about workplace culture, growth opportunities, or other trends your contact may be following.

Examples

• A candidate knowing about the company's recent award shows interest and initiative.
• Asking questions like “What advice would you give to someone interested in your team’s work?” deepens dialogue.
• Avoiding basic questions like “What does your company do?” demonstrates respect for the contact’s time.

9. Follow a Clear, Structured Process

The book emphasizes using a step-by-step approach to streamline job searching. By breaking a daunting process into manageable segments, you save time, reduce anxiety, and improve results.

Focus first on creating a list of 40 employers, then evaluate contacts within those companies, assess your motivation, and prioritize efforts. Throughout the process, keep refining your strategy based on what works best.

Examples

• Sorting companies in a spreadsheet helps organize details.
• Ranking employers by motivation ensures effort goes to the right targets.
• Following up on successful informational interviews often leads to meaningful leads.

Takeaways

1. Organize your job search with Microsoft Excel: Create and categorize your focus list of 40 employers for easy tracking.
2. Practice writing concise messages: Use a 75-word limit as a rule to streamline outreach.
3. Schedule daily time for LinkedIn research: Dedicate small but consistent efforts to finding internal advocates and tailoring your messaging.