We all dread awkward elevator rides. But, imagine running into an elevator, only to find the CEO of the company you’d give anything to work at, inside. And cherry on top, they ask you what you do for a living! What do you do then? Remember, an average elevator ride lasts less than a minute, so you have to be very specific. That’s where your elevator pitch comes in handy!
What is an Elevator Pitch?
An elevator pitch/speech is a very short yet persuasive description of what you do. Used by salespersons to sell their products and entrepreneurs to introduce their company to clients, an elevator pitch can also be used by job seekers to present themselves to recruiters in job fairs or whenever you run into them in public. An ideal “elevator” pitch needs to be incredibly short – it should only take you 30 seconds, although it can be even shorter.
Why It is Important to Prepare One
When put under pressure, most people struggle to find words. Having to describe what you do to an employer can be really stressful. You have to be careful about a lot of things, including using the right words and not sounding boring. But if you have already prepared an elevator pitch and know what to say, you won’t stutter and, thus, will increase your chances of landing your dream job!
The Perfect Time to Use It
The perfect time (or occasion) to use your elevator pitch is at job fairs, networking seminars, and other formal gatherings. In fact, there are no limitations as long as the timing is appropriate. You can also use it in a supermarket when you run into an old friend who happens to be a recruiter, while shopping for your groceries.
Tips on Creating the Perfect Elevator Pitch
Keep it concise.
This shouldn’t be surprising. No one has the time to hear you go on about your certifications and your irrelevant accomplishments. Make it as concise as possible so that you don’t sound boring.
Mention your most notable accomplishments.
If you have an accomplishment or two to share, then don’t forget to highlight them. But make sure those accomplishments are relevant to your career goals and are impressive.
Highlight your skills & credentials
Do not repeat the long list of skills & credentials in your resume. Instead, use the same formula as in the previous point – highlight the most relevant ones which you can cover in 30 seconds or less.
Don’t forget to practice!
Finally, it’s crucial that you practice your elevator speech over and over again until it sounds natural.
If you want to increase your chances of landing the perfect job, then I suggest that you start working on your elevator pitch today. Best of luck!
Don’t wait for the right opportunity. Create it.
Book in for a free 20-minute career strategy session with one of our consultants, so you can start taking action today!
