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Writer's pictureHarshal

The 2-Hour Job Search: Using Technology to Get the Right Job Faster

Book Review: 4/5 Impact On Me (Book By Steve Dalton)


Read more about the book here


In my coaching for product management candidates for their next job, I often tell them to focus less on resumes or job postings. Instead, learn to do informational interviews and cold outreach to find champions in your target companies. If I were to write a book, this would be the topic. Turns out I don't need to write that book. This book is 10x better than anything I could have written. I am delighted I found it. I rate it 4 out of 5 for its impact on me. I knew most of the concepts from the book, but the book's frameworks and tips made it valuable.


The author explains why and how to find companies to create your company list. Then, he talks about finding champions within these companies. The author says to aim for 40 companies and find 2 champions in each company. A few years ago, I created a list of 340 companies and sometimes had 17 champions in one company. I will follow the author's advice if I search for jobs again.


I agonize a lot over messaging someone. I spend 30 minutes to prepare for an informational interview. Whereas, the author has a six-point email template. He also explains why not to hyper-personalize each message. This is because you need to triage each person - someone who feels obligated to help, a booster, or someone who ignores requests. He explains the TIARA framework for any conversation. I also plan to apply these 2 insights in my consulting client search. I aim to better connect with the right contacts by personalizing messages less and increasing volume.


I used a spreadsheet a few years ago. I like the author's suggestion of using a calendar instead. I use a CRM. But most readers don't have a CRM. They should move from spreadsheet to calendar.


I will start following his advice to follow up with my new connections one month after our last meeting.

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