Phyl Terry
Author at Author of Never Search Alone
Phyl Terry is the author of Never Search Alone, widely referenced as the most impactful resource for finding a job, applying product-market fit thinking to the job search through candidate-market fit.
Dimension Profile
Key Themes
Episode Summary
Phyl Terry applies product-market fit thinking to job searching, arguing that you need a spear not a net — narrow focus and clarity about what you want and don't want. He introduces the concept of candidate-market fit and explains why most people fail in their job search by spraying and praying instead of playing to win with clear intentionality.
Leadership Principles
- → When looking for a job, use a spear, not a net — narrow, clear focus beats spray and pray
- → Finding candidate-market fit is like finding product-market fit for your career
- → Know what you want AND what you don't want before starting your search
Notable Quotes
"When you're looking for a job, you need a spear and not a net. Just like product market fit — we've learned that trying to be for everyone doesn't work. We need a narrow, clear focus."
— On applying product thinking to the job search process
"Most people don't think about what they want and what they don't want. When they get laid off, they spray and pray."
— On the most common and costly mistake in job searching
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