Do you have an elevator pitch? Your pitch or elevator speech is a key piece of your brand. It can be 30 seconds to 2 minutes long, depending upon the situation. It should include something about you that makes you unique and shows how you can get results. Your pitch is part of your overall brand and can be used in a variety of ways.
Here are 5 ways to use it:
1) Networking – whether at a business, social, or alumni event or in the elevator, you can use it to introduce yourself. For example, “Hi nice to meet you . My name is Jane Doe and I am passionate about fixing computers. One time I I helped a client…”
2) Cover letter or Direct email – In the second paragraph of a cover letter or direct email to a company, use your pitch to introduce yourself. I have x years of experience in the fields of a, b and c.
3) Resume – After your job title you can use a portion of the pitch to differentiate yourself. What is your distinguishing characteristic? What is an accomplishment that you are most proud of?
4) LinkedIn Profile Heading – in the 120 characters at the top. In the summary section make it personal with “I am passionate about ….”
5) During the Interview – Use your pitch to answer any of these questions: “Tell me about yourself” or “What can you do for us?” or “Why should we hire you?”
Remember, your pitch is part of your overall brand and is consistent with your resume, cover letter and LinkedIn profile. Write it down. Condense it. Edit it. Have someone else review it . Make it impactful. Practice it. Try it out with a friend before you go to your next networking event.
(c) 2019 Amy Geffen All rights reserved