Steve Dalton 2-Hour Job Search Sprint

Steve Dalton's 2-hour job search framework replaces aimless job board scrolling with a structured, timed outreach system. This sprint guides you through listing targets, finding advocates, and sending short outreach emails.

7 time blocks, 120 minutes in total.

Time blocks

  1. List 40 Target Employers: 15 min
    Write down 40 companies without overthinking eligibility
  2. Map Advocates and Alumni: 10 min
    Note existing connections or alumni at each company
  3. Score Motivation and Active Postings: 15 min
    Rate personal interest and note open positions
  4. Sort and Select Top Targets: 10 min
    Sort by LAMP scores to select top priority companies
  5. Find Specific Internal Contacts: 30 min
    Search LinkedIn for alumni or natural connections
  6. Draft 5-Point Outreach Template: 10 min
    Write a short email under 75 words asking for advice
  7. Send Emails and Log Follow-Ups: 30 min
    Send emails to top contacts and set calendar reminders

About this routine

Steve Dalton's 2-hour job search method was developed at Duke University Fuqua School of Business to help job seekers avoid the low conversion rate of online application portals. Instead of spending hours tailoring resumes for cold submissions, the system divides two hours into three strict 40-minute phases focused on building advocate relationships.

The first hour and twenty minutes focus on data gathering and target selection. You start by building a LAMP list, which stands for List, Advocates, Motivation, and Posting. You list 40 companies, identify alumni or existing contacts, rate your motivation from 1 to 5, and note whether open postings exist. Sorting these scores immediately highlights where to focus your effort.

The final 40 minutes transition into action. You search for specific alumni or natural connections at your top target companies and send a concise 5-point outreach email. By asking for a 15-minute informational interview rather than directly applying, you secure internal advocates who can champion your application.

Why this routine works

  • Builds a prioritized list of 40 target employers in 40 minutes
  • Targets internal advocates rather than cold job application portals
  • Standardizes email outreach to save time and reduce decision fatigue
  • Creates a clear tracking system for networking and follow-ups

FAQ

What is the 2-Hour Job Search method?

The 2-Hour Job Search is a framework created by Steve Dalton. It breaks job hunting into three 40-minute blocks: building a target company list, finding internal contacts, and sending short outreach emails.

What does LAMP stand for in the 2-Hour Job Search?

LAMP stands for List, Advocates, Motivation, and Posting. It is a scoring matrix used to rank 40 potential employers based on personal interest, existing network connections, and open job listings.

How long is a 5-point outreach email?

A 5-point outreach email is under 75 words. It introduces you, mentions a shared connection, states your interest, asks for a 15-minute phone call, and suggests a specific time.

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