VHNG Elevator Pitch Tips
An "elevator pitch" is a 30 second capsule summary of what you do and what
you want. The name comes from the scenario that describes it: "If you
find yourself in an elevator with someone else and they turn to you and say
"what do you do?" you have about 30 seconds to tell them before the doors
reopen and they leave".
So how do you write one? Here are some
member contributions on the topic.
From Knute Josifek, Coordinator, Employment Assistance Network
www.ean-ucg.org:
It has been by experience that you really
(supportive networking
meetings notwithstanding) only have 30 seconds to get someone's
attention. You meet in a coffee shop, an elevator, or, as I once
did, in the business section of a book store, you must catch their
attention and get the conversation rolling in a few seconds. Once
started you can fill in the details. Your 30 second commercial sets
up, "do they have any thing for you or not?" May I offer the
following suggestion.
The "30 second commercial." It is a great networking tool, helps you
to focus on what you are looking for and gives you a "script" when
asked about your job search.
Thirty seconds is about 75 words. Write it out on an index card and
rehearse it until you can rattle it off with ease any time someone
ask you, "What are you looking for?" (except for the clerk in the
shoe store). It is a great resource as an opener at an interview and
will show confidence and clear thinking and helps you get over the
jitters. You can use part of it as the introduction in your resume
or in a cover letter.
It is not intended as an end in itself, but as a tool you will modify
when and where necessary. Once you have it, you will begin to see
its value.
Send it to me if you like and I will review it and probably offer
some suggestions, and it will help me (and others with whom you
network) in giving you referrals.
Here are a couple of examples:
"My name is Gustav Kirchhoff and I'm an electronics engineer with
over twenty years experience in analog and power supply circuit
design, as well as manufacturing, management, and education in
consumer, industrial, military, and aerospace environments. I am
looking for an engineering, management or QA position in a small to
medium sized manufacturing company in the Orange County area. If you
have any leads, I would appreciate it, and if I hear of anything for
you, I'll pass it on to you."
"My name is Carl Smithson and I am an experienced warehouseman,
skilled in all aspects of receiving, stocking and shipping of
industrial supplies. I have experience with large and small
forklifts and with computer stock control systems. I am looking for
a position with a growing distribution company in East Los Angeles or
North Orange County. If you have any leads, I would appreciate it,
and if I hear of anything for you, I'll pass it on to you."
Knute Josifek, Coordinator, Employment Assistance Network
www.ean-ucg.org
If you have questions on job search strategies, please contact me.
Knute Josifek, e-mail: kjosifek@mindspring.com
From Dan Bastecki,
dbastecki@yahoo.com, (805) 526-1671
Key points are: 1) introduce yourself, 2)
summarize your area(s) of expertise, 3) include an accomplishment, 4) close
with a goal....
"Hello, my name is Dan Bastecki. I am a Senior Engineering Manager with
extensive expertise in Software Development Life Cyle and software process
improvement. I gained my expertise as a developer, supervisor, manager and
director. On my last job I enabled a $6.2M IPO by delivering new technology to
the embedded communications market. I am currently
seeking a position as Senior Software Development Manager."