# Phyl Terry Job Search Framework > A structured career search framework covering positioning, networking, OKRs, and negotiation. This framework outlines a targeted strategy for finding senior or mid-career roles using a focused candidate-market fit statement rather than broad outreach. It guides candidates through discovery conversations, presenting custom OKRs to hiring managers, and negotiating terms by tying compensation to role success. ## The framework Phyl Terry on how to land your dream job Candidate market fit - When you're looking for a job, you need a spear and not a net - Key criteria: Role/level; Industry; Company stage; Culture/environment requirements - Create focused, narrow statement: I'm looking for a director of product role in a healthcare, series B startup in San Francisco The listening tour - Three types of conversations: reverse exit interviews with former colleagues; broaden network with golden question (if you were in my shoes, how would you approach this?); talk to recruiters for market feedback - Send monthly updates to network: I don't have any news, but I just want to let you know I'm still going and I appreciate everything you've done - Use feedback to refine candidate market fit criteria and expand your network Job mission with OKRs - Create your own version of the job description with specific objectives and key results - Present it to the hiring manager: I've thought about what the role is. I want to make sure I'm understanding it correctly. - Use this as foundation for discussions on what success looks like and negotiations Negotiation - Focus on success requirements before discussing compensation - Example: this is great. I want to talk about money, but before we do, I want to think about some of the things that will set me up to succeed in this role - 87% success rate when asking for more money using this strategy - How to ask: are you open to \[desired amount\]? That was really what I was hoping for. - Make sure to talk about training, resources, and budgets needed for success Mindset shifts - Everyone feels anxious and insecure in the job search - Asking for help is not a sign of weakness, it's a sign of confidence - Average job search takes 3-6 months - The more senior you are, the longer it takes - Focus on what the market needs rather than taking it personally ## What it is for - Define a narrow candidate-market fit statement to target specific roles and companies - Run informational listening tours with former colleagues and recruiters - Draft custom OKRs to align on role expectations during the interview process - Negotiate compensation and resources by focusing on role success factors first ## Key points - Candidate-market fit formula specifying role, industry, company stage, and culture - Listening tour approach using reverse exit interviews and monthly network check-ins - Job mission framework that translates role expectations into explicit OKRs - Negotiation script anchoring salary and budget talks on what is needed to succeed - Mindset guidance addressing search timelines and reframing outreach as confidence ## Pricing Free ## Details - Type: Framework - Category: [Productivity](https://xiry.app/topics/productivity.md) - Topic: [Career Advice](https://xiry.app/topics/productivity/career-advice.md) - Open source: no - Platforms: other - For: Job seekers, especially mid-to-senior professionals navigating career transitions. - Tags: job search, career, interviewing, negotiation, networking ## Why it was saved - [@benln, 5 February 2025](https://x.com/benln/status/1887209080176984102): Actionable, complete playbook for a job search with concrete scripts and tactics ## Related - [How to Find a Remote Job in the US](https://xiry.app/resources/how-to-find-a-remote-job-in-the-us): Advice on landing US remote roles from an ex-Meta professional (Tip, Free) - [Moving from Brute-Force Overwork to Strategic Career Decisions](https://xiry.app/resources/moving-from-brute-force-overwork-to-strategic-career-decisio): Career guidance on replacing endless work hours with delegation and high-value projects (Tip, Free) - [Never Read Software Patents (ThePrimeagen's Advice)](https://xiry.app/resources/never-read-software-patents-theprimeagen-s-advice): Rule of thumb for developers to avoid willful patent infringement liability. 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