Getting a job usually begins with a phone conversation (preferably preceded by a referral). How long do you think you have to sell yourself when talking to a potential employer for the first time?
They might give you up to an hour once you've won a face to face interview, but the time you have to really convince them that you are the person for the job may be much shorter than you think. Therefore, you should always be able to communicate your value as an employee in 30 seconds or less. So, before you begin your job search, be sure to perfect your elevator pitch (or elevator speech). But how are you supposed to fit a summary of your entire career and all of your accomplishments into a 30 second pitch???
To begin with, think about what you are selling. Remember, YOU are the product you’re trying to sell. Your job when constructing an elevator speech is to make yourself look as good as possible in the least amount of time. Make sure that what you are telling them aligns with the position and demonstrates your competence. If they are looking for an outside sales executive, try something like, “I have 12 years of experience as an outside sales executive in the pharmaceuticals industry. I'm great at prospecting and setting appointments. And, I have a proven track record of beating quota 90% of the time.” This statement is brief, concise, specific and demonstrates some of what you have accomplished within your career.
When building your elevator pitch, you should also think about who you are selling to. Know the company and do some research so it is clear that you have a grasp of what they really need. If you talk about how much work you have done in outside sales when what they really need is someone to pound out 60-80 calls per day, they most likely will not see you as the right fit for the position. Like any sale, you must know what they need before you start selling them something they don’t need.
When you deliver your elevator pitch, always stand up and smile if you're on the phone. This will raise your energy level and probably make you sound more confident. In person, also remember to smile, extend a firm handshake (whether male or female), make eye contact and speak both confidently and calmly. Then, be quiet, listen intently and respond appropriately.
Let them see that you have been thoughtful about what you are saying and not just rambling in order to get everything out in one, long sentence. Make your 30 seconds count and show them why you are their next “A Player.”
Here are two more articles and a book recommendation that might be helpful on the subject:
- How to Persuade Anyone of Anything in Ten Seconds
- How to Craft the Perfect Elevator Pitch
- A great book recommendation for crafting a Sales Elevator Pitch
