Here's my description of an elevator speech. It is: A short description about what you do well and who you are. Using it in an elevator is why it's labeled this way. It is just a short, verbal exchange between you and another person, usually done in a short amount of time.

The way it can be useful in a job search is because it is a quick and easy way to get people to know you, the job seeker. It is superficial, but its superficiality can be overcome later.

Here's an example. Suppose you are at a school performance because your child is in a play. You tell the person seated next to you about why you are there and add that you are an....... .........(fill in the blanks) and that you are looking for a job. It can be the beginning of how you can use a "mini-dialog" to introduce yourself, get information about someone else and probably exchange other news. (You already have something in common as you are at a child's play. The person next to you is probably a parent, or a relative of another child performing in the same play.) A social relationship can begin on the spot. An "elevator speech" is born!

This example is a good one to use if you are shy about approaching strangers. Practice at other places too. Prepare a list of what you want to say or respond to someone else in a short space of time. (The list or mini-script can keep you, as a job seeker, on track to mention you are job seeking instead of letting these spare moments go to waste by talking about the weather) My advice, too, is to make sure your attitude and "speech" is upbeat and genuine. Ask questions as well if the other person responds to you.

You, as a job seeker, have a lot to gain and very little to lose in using genuine "elevator speeches". Try one on your partner if you have one or just practice with anyone!

By: Marilyn J. Tellez, M.A. at www.doitnowcareercoach.info

Article courtesy of the Recruiting Blogswap, a content exchange service sponsored by CollegeRecruiter.com, a leading site for college students looking for internships and recent graduates searching entry-level jobs and other career opportunities.