Most job-seekers don’t prepare an elevator pitch anymore. After all, what are the chances of running into Donald Trump in an elevator? And even if you did, what’s the point of reciting your resume? He’s probably not interested.
And you’re right. He’s probably not.
But that’s not why an elevator pitch exists. An elevator pitch doesn’t belong in an elevator, it belongs at networking events. Craft your elevator pitch as a short, clear summary of your career goals so that company representatives understand what you want from a job or internship. If you do it right, they’ll remember you over all those dweebs who didn’t bother.
Wow company representatives with a perfectly crafted elevator pitch following these simple steps.
Brainstorming: When brainstorming, think about your audience. Where you’re going is always more important than what you’ve done, because hiring managers want to see if their company is right for your needs. It’s all about the fit. Your past serves as the stepping stone to your future, so when you do reference your previous experiences, capitalize on what makes you appear not only professional, but unique. This is your story, and you want it to be a memorable one.
The Intro: First off, introduce yourself with your name, class standing, and degree. Don’t forget the basic networking rules, either. Stand up straight, shoulders back, maintain eye contact, smile, and shake hands with confidence and poise. Take a deep breath. You can do this.
Career Goal: This part is the meat of your pitch, but still rather short. Don’t recite the headlines of your resume, not only because it would take too long, but because the company representatives really don’t want to hear it. Why bore them with something they can read for themselves?
Instead, dive into your immediate career goal. Research the company beforehand to get an idea of what they offer, then match it to what you want from your next job or internship. For example, if you’re looking for a collaborative atmosphere at an advertising company, mention the company’s interdepartmental work.
Back up your career goal with no more than one (and only one!) previous experience. Perhaps mention that campus representative job you loved promoting but don’t get too in-depth, either. Just mention off-hand what sparked your journey along this career path, maybe with a couple well-chosen adjectives that describe how amazing and awesome and perfect for that field you are.
Engagement: Now that you’ve talked for a good 30 seconds, it’s time to hand over the conversation to the company representative. End with a question, asking for more information about how your career goal fits with the company. Now you’ve not only caught their attention, but kept it.
Practice and Timing: The only way you’re going to perfect the timing and delivery of your elevator pitch is by practicing it– not just once, but over and over and over again until you get it right. Stand in front of your mirror with a smile plastered on your face and a stopwatch. The instant you go over 30 seconds, start over, removing the least important part of your pitch as you recite it again.
And again, and again, and again. Soon enough, the pitch will be the perfect time and you’ll ace your next networking event.
Who says the elevator pitch is a thing of the past?
