The lamp list for a 2 hour job search provides a structured approach to make the most of your limited job search time. With only 2 hours, it’s important to focus on high-impact activities that will move the needle in your job search. The lamp list organizes key tasks into three phases: preparation, execution, and follow-up. Proper preparation ensures you make the most of your 2 hour window. The execution phase outlines specific job search activities you can realistically accomplish in 2 hours. Follow-up tasks maximize the impact of your efforts after the 2 hours is up. Having a clear lamp list helps you stay focused, work efficiently, and get the most out of your valuable job search time.
Preparation Phase
The preparation phase is critical to set you up for an effective 2 hour job search. Here are key preparation tasks:
– Update your resume – Make sure your resume is tailored and targeted to the roles you plan to apply to. Review for any updates needed to reflect new skills, experience, and accomplishments.
– Identify target companies and roles – Choose 2-3 companies you want to focus on. Identify open roles that are a strong match for your background and interests.
– Gather job descriptions – Download or print job descriptions for roles you plan to apply for to reference.
– Prepare application materials – Have cover letter templates ready. Save job application answers to use where possible. Gather any files needed to attach.
– Confirm application details – Note usernames, passwords, company URLs, contact names/emails, and other info needed to apply.
– Check job sites – Search your target job sites for any new roles of interest that you may want to apply to as well.
– Browser setup – Have your browser ready with tabs open to the pages and tools you will need.
– Email setup – Be ready to email contacts about opportunities. Have template emails ready to customize and send quickly.
– Mindset – Review why you want the jobs you’re applying to. Get in a positive, enthusiastic mindset before diving in.
With preparation tasks complete, you’re ready to maximize the upcoming 2 hour window.
Execution Phase
The execution phase is your opportunity to complete focused job search activities in your 2 hour time block. Stay disciplined to maximize your time. Here are key activities:
– Apply to jobs – Spend the bulk of your time applying to the 2-3 target roles you identified earlier. Personalize your application materials as much as possible for each role.
– Network – Reach out to 1-2 contacts at your target companies regarding open roles. Customize your outreach emails you prepared earlier.
– Follow up – Send follow-up emails to any outstanding applications or contacts. Briefly reiterate your interest and qualifications.
– Search job sites – Spend 10-15 minutes reviewing new postings on your go-to job sites for any additional roles to apply to.
– Update job tracker – Add notes on applications submitted and contacts made. Helpful for follow up later.
– Refine materials – Adjust resume or cover letters based on any new learnings while applying. Tweak for future use.
– Prep for tomorrow – Look ahead at tasks for tomorrow so you can hit the ground running on your next block of time.
Stay focused, avoid distractions, and diligently move through your task list in the 2 hours.
Follow-up Phase
The work doesn’t end when your 2 hours is up. Important follow-up tasks include:
– Send thank you notes – Send brief thank you emails to any contacts you networked with.
– Schedule follow ups – Calendar reminders to follow up on applications submitted if you have not heard back after 5-7 business days.
– Adjust your search – Based on results so far, consider tweaking your target companies or roles if needed.
– Mine your network – Reach out to friends, colleagues, relatives asking if they know of any open opportunities that may be a fit.
– Check application statuses – Log in to your application accounts to check if any updates on submissions.
– Continue email outreach – Follow up with additional contacts at target companies if you have not heard back.
– Review feedback – If you receive any interview feedback or rejections, review carefully to inform future applications.
– Refine your materials – Make ongoing improvements to your resume, cover letters, portfolio etc based on what you’re learning as you apply.
– Schedule your next block – Commit your next 2 hour job search time block on your calendar to keep momentum.
Consistency is key, so diligent follow up and continued effort after your initial time block is well spent.
Key Tips for an Effective 2 Hour Job Search
Here are some important tips to optimize your efforts during the tight 2 hour window:
– Stick to your lamp list – Follow your plan and task list to stay on track. Avoid distractions and tangents.
– Personalize applications – Even with limited time, tailor your materials as much as possible to each role. Use keywords from the job descriptions in your materials.
– Mind the details – Double check that you have application information right, follow all instructions, and complete all steps.
– Watch the clock – Keep an eye on how much time tasks are taking you. Adjust your pacing if needed.
– Use time efficiently – Optimize repetitive tasks like cover letter editing or data entry of repeated info.
– Stay focused – Block out distracting apps and websites not needed for the job search itself.
– Apply to easy ones first – Knock out quicker one-click type applications first to build momentum.
– Take a break – Consider a 5 minute break halfway through to recharge. Grab a snack, stretch your legs.
– Review your progress – With 10-15 minutes left, evaluate what you’ve accomplished so far and any last tasks to prioritize.
– End on next steps – Leave yourself notes on follow up tasks so you can jump back in seamlessly next time.
With dedication and structure, you can accomplish quite a bit in just 2 hours. Don’t underestimate the power of focused time blocks. Consistency over time is critical.
Job Search Activities You Can Realistically Complete in 2 Hours
Here is a summary of key job search activities possible to complete in a single 2 hour time block:
– Apply to 2-4 jobs, depending on application length and complexity
– Customize and send cover letters for 2-3 applications
– Research and identify 2-3 new target companies or roles
– Network with 1-2 contacts via email outreach and personalization
– Conduct 15-30 minutes of additional job site research and application identification
– Follow up on 2-3 outstanding applications with brief emails
– Update application tracker with notes on submissions, contacts, status
– Make minor improvements and edits to resumes or other materials to prepare for future use
– Review 1-2 job application rejections/feedback and incorporate any learning
– Prep list of follow up tasks to jump into next time
So in just a single 2 hour power block, you can make significant headway. With consistent time blocks over weeks and months, you can build great momentum in your search.
Sample 2 Hour Job Search Lamp List Schedule
Here is an example of how to structure activities within your 2 hour window:
– 0:00-0:05 – Review lamp list and prep materials
– 0:05-0:15 – Apply to Target Company A Role 1
– 0:15-0:25 – Apply to Target Company B Role 1
– 0:25-0:35 – Send networking emails to Contacts 1 & 2 at Target Company C
– 0:35-0:45 – Follow up emails for outstanding Applications 1 & 2
– 0:45-1:00 – Research new openings on job sites
– 1:00-1:15 – Update tracker, refine resume, schedule next block
– 1:15-1:30 – Apply to new Job Posting 1
– 1:30-1:45 – Apply to new Job Posting 2
– 1:45-2:00 – Wrap up and plan follow ups
This provides a mix of applying to planned roles, following up on existing submissions, networking, continuing your search, administrative tasks, and preparatory work.
Key Components to Include in Your Custom 2 Hour Job Search Lamp List
As you build out your own 2 hour job search lamp list, be sure to include:
– Preparation tasks – Get materials, info, browser ready
– Target companies and roles – 2-3 roles identified to focus on
– Networking component – Email outreach to 1-2 contacts
– New opportunities – Time to review and apply to new openings
– Follow up – Touch base on outstanding applications
– Tracking – Update notes on your efforts
– Materials refinement – Improve resumes, cover letters for future use
– Next steps – Note any follow up tasks to jump back in
Customize your specific tasks and schedule based on your current search status, priorities, and application volumes. Adapt it as you go to reflect actual timing and any learnings. Stick to your lamp list diligently during the 2 hours to maximize your productivity.
Using Tables to Track Progress
Using a table to track your job search progress can help you stay organized. Here is an example:
Date | Company | Role | Application Status | Next Steps |
---|---|---|---|---|
10/1 | ABC Corp | Project Manager | Completed | Follow up on 10/8 |
10/2 | 123 Industries | Business Analyst | In Progress | Finish application |
Add rows to track your completed applications, status, next steps, contacts made, and more. Review regularly to keep yourself accountable. Prioritize follow ups and outstanding actions based on this tracker.
Conclusion
Being strategic with how you spend your limited job search time is critical. Having a defined lamp list for a 2 hour block provides focus so you can make the most of the time. Preparation and follow up bookend focused execution during the allotted window.
Look for opportunities to apply, network, improve your materials, and continue researching new openings. Remain diligent with your efforts over a sustained period to build momentum. With concentrated 2 hour blocks consistently over time, you can accomplish a great deal.
Stay positive and committed to your search when faced with a restricted time budget. A structured and focused approach will serve you well. Refine your lamp list over time and stick to it within each block to maintain efficiency. Before you know it, you’ll have made tangible progress towards landing that next great role.