- Job Search Tip of the Week, by Brian Krueger, author of "College Grad Job Hunter," the #1 book for entry level job search:
"The Thirty Second Elevator Pitch Technique"
Occasionally, the explanation of who you are and what you are looking for requires greater detail. Perhaps you are speaking with someone who is unfamiliar with your background. It may require you to provide more detail than the ten second sound bite. However, it should still be a tightly structured answer.
Imagine getting onto an elevator in an office building after a job interview. As the doors almost close, a person walks onto the elevator. As you both prepare for the silent journey downward, the person turns to you and says "I noticed you were interviewing with Jane Brown today at our company. What's your background?" The timer has started. You now have thirty seconds or less before the elevator reaches the bottom floor to succinctly state your background. Can you do it?
Following is an example of a thirty second elevator pitch:
"I noticed you were interviewing with Jane Brown today at our company. What's your background?"
"Hi (shaking hands), my name is Tracy Public (pause briefly for the other person to return their introduction)."
OK, now the clock is ticking. You have thirty seconds...
"I'll be receiving my BBA in Accounting in May from Illinois State University and I've been working in the accounting field for more than two years, doing both general accounting and auditing. This past summer I worked for the New York office of Ernst & Young in an Auditor Internship. I'm currently seeking an auditor position in the Chicago area, which is what I was discussing today with Jane Brown. What is your role within the company?"
The Thirty Second Elevator Pitch is something you should practice and perfect. It is the basic introduction of who you are and what you are looking for. It will form the basis of your introductory message when networking, your opening statement in telephone contacts with employers, and the foundation of your "Tell me about yourself" answer in interviewing.
Don't just assume you will have a great answer when the time comes. As you reach out to network with others, you will be required to cut to the chase quickly. Most contacts are not looking for your life history. They are looking for your bottom line. Develop a level of comfort in your personal presentation of who you are and what you are looking for by rehearsing and practicing delivery of your Thirty Second Elevator Pitch. Do it over and over again until you get it right. Drive your roommate crazy.
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