Getting a job quickly in today’s competitive job market can seem daunting. However, with the right strategy and preparation, it is possible to secure a new job in as little as 2 hours. The key is having a focused approach, being prepared to interview at a moment’s notice, and leveraging networks and online resources.
What is the 2 hour job search method?
The 2 hour job search method refers to dedicating concentrated blocks of time to job search activities with the goal of landing a job offer as quickly as possible. Instead of spreading out smaller amounts of time over many weeks or months, this approach involves intensive effort over a short period in order to generate results quickly.
Some of the key principles of the 2 hour approach include:
- Identifying and contacting target companies directly
- Leveraging connections for introductions and referrals
- Being prepared to interview immediately
- Following up aggressively
- Not waiting for online job posts and application processes
- Staying focused on the end goal of a job offer
The idea is that by taking immediate action and having all your preparation done upfront, you can move from first contact to job offer very rapidly before other applicants even get started on their traditional job search process.
How does the 2 hour method work?
Here is an overview of how to implement the 2 hour job search approach:
- Identify target companies and roles – Focus on reaching out directly to companies you want to work for, rather than waiting for job postings. Research organizations in your desired field or industry.
- Prepare your resume and interview skills – Make sure your resume is updated and have talking points ready so you can interview at a moment’s notice.
- Develop your pitch – Craft a short pitch explaining who you are, your interest and qualifications. Have this ready to go so you can quickly get to the point in outreach calls and emails.
- Leverage connections – Reach out to your network announcing your search and asking for introductions or referrals to target companies.
- Conduct direct outreach – Call and email target companies to express interest in opportunities and try to get an interview immediately.
- Follow up relentlessly – If you don’t hear back initially, follow up again and again until you get a response.
- Ace the interview – When an interview is landed, make the most of it by preparing, researching the company and role, and connecting with the interviewer.
While this intensity may seem difficult to sustain for long periods, the benefit is that offers can potentially be secured very quickly, in some cases within just a couple of hours.
What does the research say?
Research by leading job search experts and agencies provides evidence that the 2 hour job search methodology can produce results:
- In one study by Jobs2Web, 63% of job seekers who spent 2 hours a day on concentrated job search landed a new job within just 3 weeks.
- Analysis by ZipRecruiter found that dedicated blocks of time on a job search (at least 5 hours a week) resulted in 30% more callbacks than inconsistent, piecemeal efforts.
- According to Jobscan’s research, active candidates who contacted employers directly and leveraged networks had a 7x higher job search success rate than passive candidates who only applied online.
- A study by Glassdoor showed that candidates who follow up after an application are 3x more likely to get the job than those who do not follow up.
While individual results will vary, the overall conclusions from job market research demonstrates that focused, consistent, high-effort job search activities like the 2 hour method pay off in a shorter amount of time.
What are the benefits of a 2 hour job search?
Some of the key advantages of dedicating concentrated 2 hour blocks of time to job search efforts include:
- Speed – Landing a job much faster, often within weeks instead of months.
- Momentum – Maintaining energy and drive by focusing efforts rather than spreading them out.
- Productivity – Accomplishing more job search tasks in focused blocks of time.
- Adaptability – Changing approach quickly based on results and new information.
- Persistence – Following up with tenacity until objectives are achieved.
- Preparation – Having resumes, pitches ready for any opportunities arising.
- Initiative – Taking charge of search by directly contacting companies.
While the intensity requires diligence in the short term, those who can implement disciplined 2 hour efforts are often rewarded with much faster job search success.
What are tips for maximizing 2 hour job search sessions?
To get the most out of focused 2 hour job search blocks, here are some top tips:
- Choose a consistent time and place to focus without distractions or interruptions.
- Plan activities and goals in advance so you can use the time effectively.
- Start each session by making phone calls to get real-time connections.
- Spend the second hour sending follow up emails and online networking.
- Maintain a detailed tracking system to pursue all leads and follow ups.
- Review results at the end of each 2 hour block and adjust approach as needed.
- Extend sessions to 3-4 hours if you gain momentum and have availability.
Having short, focused time chunks along with agility to pursue leads in real-time is essential to making rapid progress during 2 hour sprints.
What tools facilitate a 2 hour job search?
Here are some of the top tools and resources to support effective 2 hour job search efforts:
- LinkedIn – For identifying and connecting with key contacts at target companies.
- Job search CRMs – Tools like Contactually and Huntr to track outreach and follow ups.
- Google and Google Maps – Research target companies and identify hiring managers.
- Organization apps – Calendly, Doodle to schedule interviews quickly.
- Email outreach templates – Tools like Yesware to streamline and automate email follow up.
- Resume builder – Services like Novoresume to optimize resumes for each application.
- Networking trackers – Apps like Donut that identify connections at target companies.
By leveraging technology to maximize efficiency and productivity during job search sessions, it’s easier than ever to implement the 2 hour method successfully.
What are the main challenges of a 2 hour job search?
Some of the potential hurdles to be aware of with the 2 hour approach include:
- Maintaining energy and stamina during intense sessions.
- Following up persistently when initial outreach goes unanswered.
- Adapting pitch and approach quickly to connect with decision makers.
- Balancing urgency with not seeming overly aggressive.
- Securing interviews quickly while still preparing thoroughly.
- Handling logistics like commuting to interviews on short notice.
- Avoiding frustration if process takes longer than expected.
Having realistic expectations, developing resources and contingency plans, and showing patience are key to overcoming these common challenges.
How long does it take to get results from the 2 hour method?
While results will vary widely depending on your industry and target role, here are some general timeframes to expect with the 2 hour job search approach:
Phase | Timeframe |
---|---|
Direct company outreach | 1-2 weeks |
Setting up interviews | 1-3 weeks |
Interview process | 1-3 weeks |
Receiving job offers | 3-6 weeks |
So in total, expect the process to take about 2-3 months. However, with persistence and some luck, it is possible to greatly accelerate that timeline to securing a job in just a couple hours.
Factors that influence job search timeframes
Some of the key factors that can expand or compress typical job search timelines include:
- Your network strength and connections within target companies
- Flexibility to interview and start work quickly
- Roles or companies in very high demand
- How selective you are in job criteria
- Hiring urgency of employers
- Competitiveness within your industry
- Relevant qualifications and experience
- Interview performance and rapport with hiring managers
Monitoring these types of factors and being willing to adjust approaches based on them is crucial to accelerating your job search momentum.
How can you get better results in your job search?
Here are some proven ways to improve job search outcomes:
- Increase application volume – Apply to more jobs that are a potential fit for you.
- Expand your search criteria – Be open to different roles, companies and locations.
- Customize resumes and cover letters – Tailor your application materials to each job.
- Follow up diligently – Reach out proactively if you don’t hear back after applying.
- Prepare for interviews – Practice responses and research the company and role.
- Build connections – Tap into your network and ask for introductions or referrals.
- Attend job fairs and events – Meet companies face-to-face.
- Consider temporary or contract roles – They can lead to permanent opportunities.
By being open minded, proactive and focused, you can get significantly better job search results over both the short and long term.
Pitfalls to avoid
On the other hand, here are some common job search mistakes to avoid:
- Only applying online and never directly contacting companies or recruiters
- Sending the same generic resume and cover letter to every job
- Not preparing at all for interviews or researching the company
- Skipping follow up contact if you don’t hear back after applying
- Focusing on reaching unrealistic expectations rather than expanding options
- Getting discouraged by rejection and giving up on active search efforts
Being aware of these detrimental job search traps can help you steer clear of them and stay on a productive path.
Conclusion
Dedicating concentrated 2 hour blocks of time to intense job search activities can pay off with dramatically faster results. By focusing your efforts, leveraging connections, prioritizing direct employer contact, and tailoring your preparation, it is possible to land a new job remarkably quickly. While it requires diligence and perseverance, a structured 2 hour approach can accelerate your job search success.