If you are looking for a job then – like it or not – you are in sales, and the product you are selling is you. To make this sale you need a 'pitch' -- or as it is commonly called -- an 'elevator pitch'. An elevator pitch is an answer to the classic interview question "tell me about yourself". It is a concise spoken summary of your education, your skills, your experience and your motivation. if you record this pitch, it becomes a video resume.
A great “elevator pitch” is not a sufficient condition to get a job, but it is usually a necessary one. You have about forty seconds to make your audience want to learn more about you after the elevator ride is over. You are branding yourself; you are telling the listener what makes you special. If English isn't your native language, you also demonstrate your command of the language.
Here are some tips:
· Outline the main points and practice the pitch; you want to be able to speak naturally and fluently without sounding programmed.
· Points to include: your academic background, your career focus and goals, your key skills, your proudest accomplishments and the nature of the role you seek. You might also describe how you have used English in a work or academic setting.
You'll be able to use pieces of your pitch to answer a call from a recruiter, include in a cover letter for a job, when you meet somebody at a career event. Or in an elevator.
· In a live delivery, customize the pitch to your audience. Focus on how your skill set is relevant to their business.
· The pitch should be consistent with the top of your resume or linkedin profile.
· Sound confident and ambitious; sound like you want a challenge.
When you make a video of your pitch, be sure to dress professionally and be mindful of your surroundings. Avoid cluttered backgrounds, barking dogs and bad lighting. Expect to get it wrong the first few tries; be persistent until you are pleased with the result.
Keep your pitch short. Remember that a recruiter who views your video pitch may be looking a hundred other pitches. The goal of the pitch is to get an interview, not to provide a verbal autobiography.
Don't be afraid to be creative and show a little bit of your personality.
Check out the 'elevator pitch' content on the internet -- there is plenty of it. Bear in mind that some of it refers to pitches for startups, but many of the same principles apply. Linkedin has an excellent short course by Jody Glickmann; she has also posted some free content on Youtube.
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You should already have an elevator pitch! If you don’t, hurry up and create one.