UPDATING YOUR 30-SECOND ELEVATOR SPEECH

by

BOB RAIKES, NCCC

Every now and then we need to review and update our 30 second elevator speech. Things do change. We may have added new skills, decided to go a slightly different career direction with our skills or just need to change things to present ourselves better. Now may be a good time to review what we have and make changes if necessary.

As we look at elevator speeches you might find that it is possible that you need more than one depending upon the type of company you may be applying to or the type of job that you are seeking at the time. We all have skill sets and you may find that you are focusing on using your set in different manners with different firms. Anyway, consider if you may need several elevator speeches for your job search.

WHEN DELIVERING AN ELEVATOR SPEECH

1. Present a positive attitude.

2. Look the person in the eye and keep good eye contact.

3. State: *Who you are.

4. What kind of employment you are seeking.

5. Be pointed and direct.

6. Describe your skills/strengths, the problems you can solve and/or how you would make a difference (don't be too wordy).

7. If possible, create a position that permits the listener to converse with you and provide you with more information.

8. You may also ask if he/she is aware of job openings that require your skills.

9. Close by providing a business card and by soliciting an opportunity for further dialogue and or a visit to the company site, IF you think it's advisable.

PRACTICE YOUR SPEECH WHILE LOOKING IN THE MIRROR

DO MOCK SPEECHES WITH FRIENDS AND PEERS

ASK FOR INPUT AS TO HOW EFFECTIVE YOUR SPEECH WAS

AFTER USING AN ELEVATOR SPEECH DETERMINE: How effective it was. Did the listener seem

interested? Did it persuade he/she to dialogue with you and ask questions? Did it lead to a visit or interview?

DO EVALUATE YOUR SPEECH AS IT IS AN IMPORTANT TOOL AND BE PREPARED TO REWRITE PARTS OF IT BASED UPON EFFECTIVENESS AND FEEDBACK YOU GET FROM OTHERS.

THE TIMES WHEN YOU MAY WANT TO USE AN ELEVATOR SPEECH

*Cold calling in person

*Meeting persons in companies you are targeting

*When meeting new people in coffee shops, networking meetings etc.

*Career Fairs

*Networking at parties and various gatherings

*When calling headhunters

*At networking groups

DO NOT DISCOUNT HOW IMPORTANT A GOOD ELEVATOR SPEECH IS TO YOUR JOB SEARCH