With another job fair over comes the relief of having survived a couple of stressful days. So first, I would just like to congratulate you!
Attending a job fair can be overwhelming, and putting yourself out there forces you to step outside your comfort zone. Networking with employers and trying to create a lasting first impression is nerve-racking. In the midst of so many other students, you feel the competition rise. Suddenly, talking to employers becomes a chore rather than an exciting opportunity.
If you’re looking for a job or planning to attend the next career fair, one of the first tasks on your to-do list should be to create an elevator pitch, a 30-second speech that summarizes who you are and why you are a perfect candidate.
So you may be wondering, how am I supposed to sum up my job ambitions in 30 seconds or less? Below are simple steps that will help you create the perfect elevator pitch that you can use in any situation when talking to future employers.
1. Define your personal brand
How does your personality affect others? How do you benefit others at work? Find a few adjectives that describe your work ethic and personality. Using power words, such as persuasive, organized, flexible and unexpected, will not only strengthen your vocabulary but also showcase your talents in a descriptive way.
Use a descriptor that clarifies your appeal additionally allows the employer to get a better understanding of how you adapt in a work environment. Words like adaptive, innovative or industrious show a side of the candidate they do not often see. Make your presence known and use power words to describe your strengths.
Next, create a title. Are you an intern, student or salesperson? If you are speaking specifically about a project that you worked on or a job that you held, you can identify yourself as a manager, creator or connector of people.
Lastly, validate your title by speaking from your experience.
An example:
Hello, I am (your name here.) I am an innovative computer science student with a track record of coding helpful websites for college students.
2. What do you do, exactly?
Answer this question by thinking of ways you help people or businesses. Including statistics or other numbers for support is more compelling and even makes you stand out to a potential employer. You can be as specific or general as you would like. If there is a certain project you excelled at, focus on that.
You want to include as many strengths as you can, but you also don’t want to overwhelm them. Remember, the elevator pitch functions as the speech you would deliver during the time it would take to go up an elevator. Brevity is vital.
3. Statement with impact
Think of how you add value to your job or your team. This is where you include personal attributes and assets that specifically describe you.
Example:
I lead my team through computer projects by organizing data and deciding key strategies. Because I always keep my group moving forward, we finish our projects effectively and on schedule.
4. Call to action
The final step! Ask to set up a time for an interview.
Say something like this:
Therefore, I think I can really add value to (company name here.) Â I would love to exchange business cards and set up a time to interview.
And just like that, you have your elevator pitch. Remember to practice your pitch prior to giving it so you can become more comfortable with the flow of words and not sound too scripted.
Having an elevator pitch ready before meeting employers emphasizes your strongest points and creates a memorable first impression. I strongly recommend preparing a few sentences similar to the examples above. Even if you do not use your elevator pitch, it is a perfect go-to in case you stumble.
Good luck!