# Templates, Examples and Sample Assets

This reference provides concrete templates, example messages and sample frameworks to make the job search strategy immediately actionable.

## Self-Diagnostic Tool: Where's Your Search Breaking Down?

Use this rubric to identify which phase needs attention. Rate yourself 1-5 on each dimension:

### Clarity Diagnostics
- [ ] I can explain my target role in one sentence (1 = no clarity, 5 = crystal clear)
- [ ] I know exactly what problems I solve and for whom (1 = vague, 5 = specific)
- [ ] I can list 3-5 companies that would be perfect fits (1 = no targets, 5 = researched list)
- [ ] I understand what makes me different from other candidates (1 = generic, 5 = unique value clear)

**Score < 12**: Your search lacks direction. Start with Phase 1 research and Phase 2 skills mapping.

### Proof Diagnostics
- [ ] I have quantified achievements with specific metrics (1 = none, 5 = multiple)
- [ ] My LinkedIn/portfolio demonstrates my best work (1 = outdated, 5 = impressive)
- [ ] I can tell compelling stories about my impact (1 = struggle with examples, 5 = confident)
- [ ] I have testimonials, recommendations or social proof (1 = none, 5 = strong validation)

**Score < 12**: You need to build credibility assets. Focus on Phase 3 portfolio development.

### Distribution Diagnostics
- [ ] I'm reaching decision-makers, not just applying online (1 = applications only, 5 = multi-channel)
- [ ] I have warm connections at target companies (1 = cold only, 5 = referrals)
- [ ] My outreach messages get responses (1 = crickets, 5 = >30% response rate)
- [ ] I'm tracking my pipeline and conversion rates (1 = no tracking, 5 = detailed metrics)

**Score < 12**: Your distribution is weak. Prioritize Phase 4 creative strategy and outreach.

### Overall Health Score
- **48-60**: Strong position, focus on optimization
- **36-47**: Solid foundation, address specific gaps
- **24-35**: Significant weaknesses, systematic rebuild needed
- **12-23**: Start from scratch with clarity work

## Decision Matrix: Prioritizing Target Roles

Use this framework to evaluate opportunities:

| Company/Role | Fit (1-10) | Leverage (1-10) | Energy (1-10) | Total | Priority |
|--------------|------------|-----------------|---------------|-------|----------|
| Example Corp PM Role | 8 | 6 | 9 | 23 | High |
| Startup Designer | 6 | 9 | 7 | 22 | Medium |
| BigCo Analyst | 9 | 4 | 5 | 18 | Low |

**Fit**: Do your skills and experience directly match their needs?
**Leverage**: Do you have connections, unique skills or timing advantages?
**Energy**: Are you genuinely excited about this opportunity?

**Target**: 20+ total score. Prioritize roles scoring 23+.

## Job Search Operating Rhythm

### Daily (30-60 minutes)
- [ ] Review 2-3 new job postings with red/green flag analysis
- [ ] Send 2-3 personalized outreach messages (LinkedIn, email or comments)
- [ ] Engage with 5-10 posts from target companies or hiring managers (thoughtful comments)
- [ ] Update your tracking spreadsheet with responses and next steps

### Weekly (2-3 hours)
- [ ] Deep research on 1-2 priority companies (Phase 1 full analysis)
- [ ] Apply to 3-5 strategically selected roles (not spray-and-pray)
- [ ] Schedule/conduct 2+ informational interviews or networking calls
- [ ] Create or improve one portfolio piece, blog post or proof asset
- [ ] Review pipeline: conversion rates, what's working, what's not

### Monthly (4-6 hours)
- [ ] Comprehensive pipeline review: applications → responses → interviews → offers
- [ ] Update resume and LinkedIn based on what's resonating
- [ ] Expand network: attend 1-2 industry events or virtual meetups
- [ ] Skill development: complete one course module or certification milestone
- [ ] Strategy adjustment: what tactics are working? What should you stop doing?

### Pipeline Metrics to Track
- **Top of Funnel**: Applications sent, outreach messages, connection requests
- **Middle of Funnel**: Response rate, informational chats, recruiter screens
- **Bottom of Funnel**: Interviews, final rounds, offers
- **Conversion Rates**: Applications → screens (target: 10-20%), screens → interviews (target: 30-50%)

## Message Templates

### LinkedIn Connection Request (No Prior Interaction)

```
Hi [Name],

I've been following [Company]'s work on [specific thing], particularly [recent development]. I'm exploring [role type] opportunities and would love to learn more about the [team/culture/product].

Would you be open to a brief chat about your experience there?

[Your Name]
```

**Why it works**: Specific (not generic), focused on learning (not asking), brief.

### LinkedIn Message (After Connection Accepted)

```
Thanks for connecting, [Name]!

I'm particularly interested in [Company] because [specific reason tied to your background]. I noticed you work on [their team/project]; that's exactly the kind of [problem/domain] I've been focused on at [your experience].

Any chance you'd have 15 minutes for a quick call this week? I'd love to hear about [specific question about their work].
```

**Why it works**: Shows you did homework, mutual relevance, low time ask.

### Warm Referral Request (To Your Connection)

```
Hi [Connection],

Hope you're well! I'm reaching out because I'm really interested in the [Role Title] position at [Company]. I've been [brief context of your relevant experience].

I noticed you know [Employee Name] on LinkedIn. Would you feel comfortable introducing us? I'd just love to learn more about the team and role before applying.

I can draft an intro message if that helps make it easy!
```

**Why it works**: Specific ask, makes it easy for them, shows respect for their time.

### Direct Email to Hiring Manager

**Subject**: [Specific Value] for [Team/Initiative Name]

```
Hi [Name],

I saw that [Company] recently [specific news/product launch/announcement]. Having spent [X years] doing [relevant experience], I'm excited about the [Role Title] opportunity.

Quick snapshot of relevant background:
• [Specific achievement with metric]
• [Relevant skill/experience that matches their need]
• [Unique angle that most candidates won't have]

I built [small project/analysis] related to [their product/market]; would love to share it with you: [link]

Are you open to a brief conversation about the role?

Best,
[Your Name]
```

**Why it works**: Demonstrates initiative, specific value, social proof through work, brief.

### Follow-Up (After No Response - 1 Week Later)

```
Hi [Name],

Following up on my note from last week about the [Role Title] position.

I wanted to add; I just [recent accomplishment/published something/completed relevant project] that's directly relevant to [their challenge/team need].

Still interested in connecting if you have 15 minutes this week.

[Your Name]
```

**Why it works**: Adds new information (not just "bumping"), stays brief, reiterates interest.

## Positioning Statement Templates

### One-Sentence Value Proposition

**Formula**: "I help [target audience] [achieve outcome] through [unique approach/skill]"

**Examples**:
- "I help B2B SaaS companies increase user activation rates through data-driven product experimentation"
- "I help early-stage startups build scalable growth operations from zero to Series A"
- "I help healthcare organizations implement AI/ML solutions that improve clinical outcomes"

**Your turn**: Complete this sentence clearly and specifically.

### Three-Sentence Career Story

**Formula**: 
1. Where you've been + what you built
2. What you learned/became excellent at
3. What you're looking for next and why

**Example**:
"I spent 5 years at Microsoft building developer tools, where I shipped features used by 50K+ developers and led a team of 8. Through that experience, I became excellent at translating complex technical requirements into intuitive user experiences. I'm now looking to join an early-stage dev tools startup where I can own product strategy end-to-end and directly shape company direction."

## Case Study Examples

### Case Study 1: Marketing Manager → Tech Product Manager

**Starting Position**:
- 6 years marketing experience at traditional retail company
- No formal product management experience
- Wanted to break into tech PM roles
- Clarity score: 14, Proof score: 11, Distribution score: 9

**Strategy Applied**:
1. **Phase 1 Analysis**: Researched 20 product companies, identified 5 that valued marketing background (consumer apps, B2B with PLG motion)
2. **Phase 2 Skills Mapping**: Reframed experience as "user research," "go-to-market strategy," "experimentation" rather than just "marketing"
3. **Phase 3 Portfolio Development**: Built 2 mock product specs for target companies' features, published on Medium with thoughtful analysis
4. **Phase 4 Creative Strategy**: 
   - LinkedIn outreach to PMs who came from marketing (found 12, got 6 informational chats)
   - Portfolio project shared directly with hiring managers
   - Referral from informational interview contact

**Timeline**: 8 weeks from start to offer
**Key Tactic**: Portfolio projects demonstrated product thinking without formal experience
**Result**: APM role at Series B SaaS company, $140K base

### Case Study 2: Senior Engineer → Technical Startup Founder Outreach

**Starting Position**:
- 8 years engineering at FAANG
- Looking for founding engineer role at AI startup
- Strong technical skills but limited startup connections
- Clarity score: 18, Proof score: 19, Distribution score: 12

**Strategy Applied**:
1. **Phase 1 Analysis**: Deep research on 15 seed-stage AI startups, identified 3 with problems matching his expertise (MLOps, infrastructure)
2. **Phase 2 Skills Mapping**: Highlighted experience building systems from scratch, not just working in established codebases
3. **Phase 3 Portfolio Development**: Already strong technical portfolio, added AI blog posts
4. **Phase 4 Creative Strategy**:
   - Twitter engagement with startup founders (6 weeks of thoughtful comments)
   - Built small open-source tool related to their tech stack
   - Direct email to founders with technical analysis of their architecture
   - Attended YC Demo Day virtually, followed up with companies in his domain

**Timeline**: 4 weeks from targeted outreach to offer conversations (3 simultaneous)
**Key Tactic**: Technical blog + open source contributions created credibility before outreach
**Result**: Founding engineer at seed-stage AI company, equity package

### Case Study 3: Mid-Career Academic → Nonprofit Program Director

**Starting Position**:
- PhD + 5 years university research/teaching
- Wanted to move to nonprofit sector
- Strong mission alignment, weak nonprofit connections
- Clarity score: 16, Proof score: 13, Distribution score: 8

**Strategy Applied**:
1. **Phase 1 Analysis**: Researched 10 education-focused nonprofits, identified culture alignment through Glassdoor and employee posts
2. **Phase 2 Skills Mapping**: Reframed academic experience as "program design," "stakeholder management," "impact measurement"
3. **Phase 3 Skill Development**: Completed nonprofit management certificate online (8 weeks)
4. **Phase 4 Creative Strategy**:
   - Published LinkedIn article analyzing challenges in education policy (their focus area)
   - Volunteered with related nonprofit for 2 months to build proof
   - Alumni network: found 3 alums at target nonprofits, requested informational chats
   - Included volunteer metrics in application (reached 500 students)

**Timeline**: 12 weeks (longer due to certificate completion)
**Key Tactic**: Volunteer work + certificate addressed "no nonprofit experience" objection
**Result**: Program Director role at education nonprofit, mission-aligned work

## KPI Tracking Spreadsheet Template

| Date | Activity | Company | Contact | Channel | Response? | Next Step | Status |
|------|----------|---------|---------|---------|-----------|-----------|--------|
| 10/15 | LinkedIn message | Acme Corp | Jane Smith | LinkedIn | Yes | Call scheduled 10/22 | Active |
| 10/15 | Application | Beta Inc | N/A | Website | No | Follow up 10/22 | Waiting |
| 10/16 | Warm intro | Gamma Co | John Doe | Email | Yes | Sent resume | Active |

**Weekly Rollup**:
- Outreach sent: [number]
- Responses received: [number]
- Response rate: [percentage]
- Conversations scheduled: [number]
- Interviews scheduled: [number]
- Offers received: [number]

**Conversion Tracking**:
- Applications → Screens: [X/Y = Z%] (target: 10-20%)
- Screens → Interviews: [X/Y = Z%] (target: 30-50%)
- Interviews → Offers: [X/Y = Z%] (target: 20-30%)

## Visual Framework Descriptions

### Three Levers of Job Search Efficiency

```
┌─────────────────────────────────────────────┐
│            JOB SEARCH SUCCESS               │
│                                             │
│   ┌─────────┐  ┌─────────┐  ┌──────────┐  │
│   │ CLARITY │  │  PROOF   │  │DISTRIBU- │  │
│   │         │→ │          │→ │  TION    │  │
│   │ Who you │  │ Evidence │  │ Reaching │  │
│   │ serve & │  │ of value │  │ decision │  │
│   │ what    │  │          │  │ makers   │  │
│   │ value   │  │          │  │          │  │
│   └─────────┘  └─────────┘  └──────────┘  │
│                                             │
│   Without clarity, your proof is unfocused  │
│   Without proof, distribution is ignored    │
│   Without distribution, nothing happens     │
└─────────────────────────────────────────────┘
```

### Four-Phase Process Flow

```
Phase 1: ANALYSIS
    ↓ (Output: Company scorecard, red/green flags)
Phase 2: SKILLS MATCHING
    ↓ (Output: Skills matrix, gap analysis)
Phase 3: SKILL DEVELOPMENT
    ↓ (Output: Learning plan, portfolio pieces)
Phase 4: CREATIVE STRATEGY
    ↓ (Output: Multi-channel campaign plan)
    ↓
[APPLY] → [TRACK] → [ITERATE]
    ↑__________________|
```

### Strategy Prioritization Model

```
Tactic Selection = (Company Culture × 40%) 
                 + (Candidate Strengths × 40%) 
                 + (Job Level × 20%)

Example:
Creative startup + Video skills + Mid-level
= Video cover letter (High priority)

Enterprise B2B + Strong network + Senior-level  
= Referral hunting (High priority)
```

## Application Materials Frameworks

### Resume Bullet Formula

**Action Verb + Specific Context + Quantified Result**

❌ Weak: "Managed marketing campaigns"
✅ Strong: "Led 5 paid acquisition campaigns that generated 12K qualified leads, reducing CAC by 30%"

❌ Weak: "Improved customer satisfaction"
✅ Strong: "Redesigned onboarding flow, increasing NPS from 45 to 72 and reducing support tickets by 40%"

### Cover Letter Structure

**Paragraph 1** (Hook - 2-3 sentences):
Why THIS company excites you (be specific, reference recent news/product)

**Paragraph 2** (Fit - 3-4 sentences):
Your most relevant experience, with 2 concrete examples matching their needs

**Paragraph 3** (Unique Value - 2-3 sentences):
What you bring that most candidates won't (transferable skill, unique background, specific insight)

**Paragraph 4** (Close - 1-2 sentences):
Enthusiasm + clear call to action

**Total length**: 300-400 words maximum

## Conversational Interview Question Bank

When conducting Phase 2 skills matching, use these to dig deeper:

**For Each Key Requirement**:
- "Tell me about a time when you [requirement]. What was the situation?"
- "Walk me through your process for [relevant task]."
- "What was the most challenging aspect of [relevant domain]? How did you handle it?"
- "If you were [job requirement], what would your first 30 days look like?"

**For Transferable Skills**:
- "Even though you worked in [other industry], did you face [similar challenge]?"
- "The core skill here is really [abstracted skill]. Where have you demonstrated that?"
- "How would your approach from [previous context] apply to [new context]?"

**For Gaps**:
- "Is [missing skill] something you're interested in developing?"
- "Have you done anything adjacent to [requirement]?"
- "How would you approach learning [gap area] quickly?"

**For Unique Value**:
- "What's something about your background that isn't obvious from your resume?"
- "What unique perspective would you bring to this problem?"
- "What have you done that most other candidates probably haven't?"

## Next Steps After Using This Reference

1. **Complete self-diagnostic** → identify your weak phase
2. **Implement operating rhythm** → daily/weekly/monthly structure
3. **Build tracking spreadsheet** → start measuring conversion rates
4. **Adapt templates** → personalize for your voice and situation
5. **Run one complete cycle** → pick one role, go through all four phases
6. **Measure and iterate** → what worked? What didn't? Adjust.

Remember: This is an operating system, not a checklist. Adapt based on what's working in your specific market and situation.
