10 Keys to Deliver an Effective Elevator Pitch

 

Tim Tyrell-Smith (an Executive Network member since 2007) is the Founder of Spin Strategy™ - Tools for Intelligent Job Search (www.spinstrategy.com).  Tim started writing the blog and built a website to support job seekers after completing his own job search in 2007.   Download his new e-book “30 Ideas.  The Ideas of Successful Job Search”.

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Everyone participating in an active job search is called upon to give an introductory speech, also known as an elevator pitch. Of course this comes from the concept of pitching your candidacy to someone in a short 30-60 second elevator ride. You and your future boss. Alone.

But, let's be honest, elevator rides with the hiring manager are rare. You are much more likely to pitch yourself in a networking environment. Below I have outlined 10 suggestions to make you stand out and be counted among the dozens of other executives in the room.

1.  Speak Up!

If everyone in the room or around the table can't hear you, you've already lost. Use your outside voice when inside or outside. It helps you command the group's attention and makes a statement that what you are saying is worth hearing.

 2.  Look At Your Audience!  

Yes, every one of them if you can. If the group has a leader and you address all of your comments to that one person, well, you lost me again. Oh, and everyone else in the room who was previously open to learning about you is also off in wonderland.

3.  Like To Talk?  Engage Your Filter!  

If the rules say 30 or 60 seconds, please don't take twice that time. It is unfair to the others - especially as networking groups get larger and require more time for this part of the meeting. You lose people after a minute and you may not even have reached your best information yet.

4.  Stand Up And Move Around!   What if you are sitting at a table? Not sure about this one Ryon.

Please don't sit.  Don't stand next to your seat. And once up in the front of the room, try to move around a bit. Your physical movement, like the strength of your voice, helps to send a message that you are sharing something interesting.  

5.  Pauses, Small Breaths And Other Ways To Create Emphasis.  

I've heard a few people give an elevator pitch that sounded more like a speed-reading. Remember, this should be conversational. So, pause after an important point or a big accomplishment. Place emphasis on certain other points you want people to remember.

6.  Smile And Be Approachable!  

Being in transition does not warrant a eulogy. Your elevator pitch is not a time to be solemn, over-confident or otherwise serious. You can be confident about your skills and experience but make sure your delivery creates interest and followers. Ever heard the "how great I am" elevator pitch?  Ever want to go up and introduce yourself to that person after? Me neither.

 7.  Offer To Help Others!  

An elevator pitch that is solely focused on your transition needs will not garner the genuine attention and interest of others.  Everyone has something to offer. So make sure you include something selfless in your words.  

 8.  Include Your Specific Job Objectives!  

What are you looking for in your search? If you don't provide specific and tangible objectives to your network, most will likely forget about you. Also, make sure to throw out the names of a few target companies.

9.  Be Interesting!

Find a way to make your career accomplishments relevant and interesting to everyone. I am sitting here waiting for you to say something that will allow me to remember you. What are you passionate about?

10.  Recognize Others!  

If you heard something interesting from another networker who spoke before you, re-emphasize it. That says to the group that you were listening earlier. And have more than just your own success in mind. This is networking with a purpose.

If you follow this approach you will impress key people in your network, give them a reason to want to help and give them the tools to do so.