The Elevator Pitch — Are You Ready for Action?

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January 28, 2011


Wikipedia defines an elevator pitch as “an overview of an idea for a product, service, or project… that can be delivered in the time span of an elevator ride (for example, thirty seconds and 100-150 words).”
In today’s world, job hunting needs to be treated as a contact sport that requires solid action plans, follow-through, and the ability to assertively market and sell oneself — or an idea — to a potential employer.
I’ve discussed elevator pitches (here and here) in relation to being prepared, at a moment’s notice, to tell someone who you are and what you do–all in the span of about 30 seconds. The reality is you just never know when you’ll run into someone who says, “So, what do you do?” and, rather than stammering, you’ll be ready to tell them precisely and succinctly. It could be at a job fair, trade show, or the supermarket. No matter where it is, you need to be ready for action!

Consider this scenario from AJCJobs:
At the end of a professional meeting, the keynote speaker, who just happens to be one of the best recruiters in your industry, jumps on your elevator. This could be a career-making opportunity. If you have your elevator speech ready, it’s show time. … Suddenly, you’re on.
What? You don’t have one ready? If not, the reason may be because the whole concept of the elevator pitch — or its usefulness — is somewhat foreign. Well, not anymore.
You write them, after some introspection about what you do and how your contribution would benefit a future client or employer. Faced with multiple job candidates, “recruiters and hiring managers are trying to figure out how not to select you. You want to give them your unique selling proposition — that difference that you bring to the table that will get you selected.
The goal is to answer a few questions about:
What you do (skills & knowledge)
Why you love what you do (passion)
Any specialties or niches you may occupy.
Write down your answers and refine them to the point where you can recite your pitch in a natural, relaxed manner under a minute.
Add your pitch here so that we can all learn and share–and you can showcase yourself to potential employers!
Article by Lorraine Russo
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 seeking entry-level jobs and other career opportunities, and posted on Jobs in Stockholm.

Originally posted by Candice A

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