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How do you state your elevator pitch in this market?
How do you state your "elevator" (now Zoom ;) pitch? Do you focus on a very specific role and what you're looking for, or do you speak about your past roles and different paths you are pursuing? I often feel like I have 3 different answers for the "what do you want to do, what do you do" because I've had a varied background with experience in a lot of different areas (common threads throughout). I worry that I may come off as unfocused, which is not the case, but I don't want to take anything off the table at this point given the job market.
9 Comments
Annetta MosesConsumer Insights and Strategy Leader
788
01/11/21 at 4:02AM UTC
in
I am assuming that you are talking about an elevator speech to answer a question in a job interview. Your elevator speech needs to be tailored to highlight your relevant skills and experience that the job description of the position you are seeking. Below are my thoughts of the a framework for the elevator speech that should be 2 to 3 minutes.
Tell me about yourself?
"I consider myself to be an expert in [job field]. For the past [relevant years of experience of total industry or position experience]. One of my key achievements was [achievement with quantified results e.g. increased sales X%, or decrease costs Y%]."
The achievement should match the key responsibilities of the job. For example, I work in marketing research. If the job is for new product development, I would highlight a market research accomplishment for a new product.
What do you want to do?
1) Stay in current field
"I am currently working in [field] as a [job title] with [responsibilities]. I enjoy working in this area because I like doing [activity].
This is an example for a person in market research who want to stay in the field.
I currently work in market search as a insights director with responsibilities for identifying new product opportunities. I enjoy market research and want to stay in this field. I enjoy the problem solving aspects. It is like figuring out the pieces of a jigsaw puzzle. I have enjoyed solving puzzles since I was a child.
2) Transition to new field
"I am currently working in [field] and have developed skills such as [transferable skills]. However, I have an interest of moving into [new field] because [why]."
Here is an example when of a person transitioning from marketing to market research.
I currently work in marketing and have developed skills in understanding consumer behavior. However, I am interested in moving into market research. I want to use my understand of consumer behavior to solve problems related to satisfy unmet consumer needs. In marketing, I don't have that opportunity because my responsible are focused on development of marketing strategies and execution of marketing plans.
I hope this helps.
Heartie LookDevelopment | Partnerships | Communications
79
01/13/21 at 6:37PM UTC
in
Thank you so much Anetta, this is very helpful, especially to have two examples of how to talk about your goals depending on staying in the same field or transitioning to a new one. I really appreciate you putting in the time to write all of that and will work to apply it!
Annetta MosesConsumer Insights and Strategy Leader
788
01/14/21 at 6:03AM UTC
in
Gook luck.
Jackie GhedineCoach for Gen X Women | Jack Russell of Humans
3.9k
01/11/21 at 1PM UTC
in
Hi Heartie!
So many people get tripped up on their elevator pitch. They either over talk and go off, trying to fit it all in. Or they get tongue-tied and find themselves rattling off adjectives that could be applied to anyone.
Curating your elevator pitch is critical. Here's a great way to outline it.
First, decide which skills and zones of genius you want to highlight. Consider how these are unique to you and stories around them. Craft the stories so you are always answering, what does this mean for the company and how could it benefit them. Driving home the results will be key.
I have a free resource, The Brand of You Creative Brief I think will help. It teaches how to craft your brand and most importantly, tell a story. If you want to leave your essence behind, be memorable.
You can copy and paste the link in your browser.
https://www.subscribepage.com/n2p0e4
Heartie LookDevelopment | Partnerships | Communications
79
01/13/21 at 6:41PM UTC
in
Thanks so much Jackie! I completely agree having a killer elevator pitch, or way to tell your story and feel confident in it, is clutch and I think is part of what is getting in the way of me landing my next job. I have signed up for your site and look forward to reading all the content including creative brief work!
Jackie GhedineCoach for Gen X Women | Jack Russell of Humans
3.9k
01/14/21 at 12:12PM UTC
in
Hi Heartie! I'm delighted and know it will help. The storytelling is key and using analogies which our brain can quickly process and hold onto. A small trick more people need to use. Remember, we throw so much information at interviewers, they have to sort and remember it all and the impact it had on them. The more concise you can be and the more analogies you can add, the stronger chance you will have of leaving an essence behind. Good luck!
Nicole Podcaster. Speaker. Tech Leader.
233
01/11/21 at 3:47PM UTC
in
This is a great question! As someone who's changed careers three times, I've had to navigate this carefully :)
For me, I find it best to not feel as if I am reading from a script. I create an inventory of my skills, big projects and accomplishments. Next, I consider my audience and purpose. Am I trying to land an interview, expand my network or pitch a sale?
I always find it best to understand what the audience is focused on or values, and connect my wins / skills / big projects to their win or their desire to win.
Heartie LookDevelopment | Partnerships | Communications
79
01/13/21 at 6:45PM UTC
in
Thanks Nicole! Yes it's definitely important to take audience in account. My sticking point is when I am speaking to the average person who wants to help me in my job search, but who may come from a very different background/unrelated to the kind of work I do. Over the holidays someone I had just met asked me what I do/want to do, and I felt like I had to give 5 different answers in case she might know someone/an opportunity. I need to tailor it down to 2-3 precise "buckets" of expertise and be confident in it, which I believe just takes more reflection and introspection (not the easiest but necessary!).
Nicole Podcaster. Speaker. Tech Leader.
233
01/14/21 at 6:04PM UTC
in
I recently led a webinar on this very thing called "Beyond the Elevator Pitch". It breaks down how to craft your professional story to land opportunities. Hopefully you find this helpful!
https://bit.ly/34Y0BKR
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