You don’t have to be on an elevator to sell yourself.
In the business world, your “elevator pitch” is your personal selling statement, and it defines how potential employers will remember you.
First impressions aren’t always everything, but at career fairs (like this Friday’s Rockwell Career Center Fall Career Fair for #UHBauer students), you have a limited amount of time to make sure recruiters remember you.
Here are our tips for how to deliver a memorable elevator pitch, no matter what floor you’re on.
Start With the Basics.
Start with a proper introduction — warmly share your name, degree type and the kind of position or internship you are seeking at a certain company. If you have a relevant minor, you should include that information as well.
Be Specific.
You don’t have all the time in the world, but you should definitely make a point to include a few specific examples about your experience when chatting with a recruiter at a career fair. Don’t be vague (because that gives the recruiter nothing to remember you by). Mentioning a recent internship you completed or a skill you’ve acquired within your classes will help recruiters view you as a competent professional with skills relevant to their company.
Demonstrate Passion.
Let’s be honest. That recruiter has probably heard at least a dozen elevator pitches before yours and will hear at least a million more after. The best way to make sure yours stands out? Display your passion as you talk with each company. This can be as simple as including a sentence on why you’re excited to join your industry and keeping a clear and upbeat tone of voice throughout your conversation.
You Aren’t a Robot.
You don’t want to be overly casual when talking to a recruiter, but the last thing you want to do is sound like you’re reciting a rehearsed speech. You should definitely practice your pitch out loud with a friend to make sure you’ve got your points down, but don’t be afraid to be in the moment with the recruiter and let the conversation naturally flow.
Avoid Industry Jargon.
Mentioning a few of your best skills can be a great detail to include in an elevator pitch, but make sure to avoid unnecessary industry jargon or acronyms, which can become confusing for a recruiter. A good rule of thumb? If a classmate from a different major is completely lost during your pitch, it might be a good idea to reword it.
By Priscilla Aceves