Everyone should have an elevator speech. Everyone. Your pitch is critical during a job search. I remember one of my professors in college describing someone being escorted out of the building because they couldn’t convey their elevator speech to the listener quickly and concisely. That could never happen to me. Then it happened to me.
I had a client early in my human resources career that had a dynamic business model with savvy leadership. I was able to schedule a meeting with the CFO, and he met me in the lobby. He proceeded to ask me who I was and what I did for their business. I thought I was doing well, and about five minutes into the conversation, we had walked the entire length of the floor and ended up back at the receptionist. He gave me a list of specific things he wanted and told me to come back when I was able to answer those questions. Brutal. I was in shock. What just happened.
I rambled on and on and never conveyed any value to the CFO. I didn’t have my elevator speech prepared and perfected. So here are some best practices when it comes to writing your elevator speech:
- It should be no longer than 30 seconds.
- Who are you?
- Why should they be interested in you? Why should they hire you?
- The value you bring to the organization.
That should be the only thing you focus on initially but not the only thing you focus on for your speech. Another mistake is that a job seeker prepares for the opening statement but does not prepare for the more extended conversation once you catch their interest. It would be best if you are ready for the discussion with examples (short stories) about what makes you different from everyone else.
Lastly, practice practice practice. Say it to everyone and ask for feedback. I have been at many networking events and those that can convey their value to me, always caught my interest for job opportunities.
Like learning from some of my mistakes? Then check out www.civilianconnections.com for more information.
