An elevator pitch also know as a 30 second commercial is a brief statement of what you consider yourself to have become at this stage of your life. You can use it to introduce yourself to employers at job fairs or respond to that interview icebreaker, “Tell me about yourself.”
Make a list of your strengths. List as many as possible. Choose three or four strengths that you want to include in your commercial. Create specific examples of your strengths.
Mention your education, work experience, and special skills.
Add a closure, unique to each situation, where you state one solid reason that you’d be a good fit for the targeted company/job. What is there about the background you’ve described that makes you uniquely qualified to solve problems for this company?
Practice, practice, practice. Deliver your commercial to a friend, a mirror, or anyone who will sit still for 30 seconds. Critique yourself and ask others for advice on how to improve your commercial.
Key Points:
Responds to the request, “Tell me about yourself”
Designed to position yourself and sell your most marketable skills
Serves as a summary of your background, strengths and accomplishments
Allows you to customize your pitch for the target audience
Leaves a lasting impression
Key Items for Inclusion:
Number of years of experience in a particular area
The kind of experience (marketing, customer service, office experience)
Key skills and tasks, such as organization, attention to detail and people skills
Personality traits and characteristics that make you unique
Familiarity with industry jargon
Most important thing that you want the employer to know about you
How to Pitch:
Emphasize key words; slow down when making a key point
Smile when you give your pitch
Demonstrate enthusiasm
Practice, practice, practice!