Undeniably, one of the most helpful classes I took during my college career was Business Communications. During the first few weeks of class the professor insisted I develop an Elevator Pitch.
What exactly is an Elevator Pitch?
An "elevator pitch" in regards to internship and job searching includes a 30 second overview of an individual's knowledge, skills, and accomplishments. The term comes from the time it takes to complete a normal (emphasis on normal, I can't tell you how many times I've unfortunately been stuck in elevators) elevator ride from the top to the bottom floor. It's an opportunity to get your point across in a timely manner; namely, who you are, what you've accomplished, and where you hope to go in the future.
Whether or not the origin of the term actually came from running into important people in elevators and delivering a short and clear sales pitch in the time it takes to ride the elevator, one thing is certain–-it’s important instrument to have in your tool kit.
In looking to define "elevator pitch" for you all I stumbled onto Wikipedia to see what they had to say (which isn't much at all)...
An elevator pitch, elevator speech, or elevator statement is a short summary used to quickly and simply define a person, profession, product, service, organization or event and its value proposition.[1]
The name "elevator pitch" reflects the idea that it should be possible to deliver the summary in the time span of an elevator ride, or approximately thirty seconds to two minutes.[2][3] The term itself comes from a scenario of an accidental meeting with someone important in the elevator. If the conversation inside the elevator in those few seconds is interesting and value adding, the conversation will continue after the elevator ride or end in exchange of business card or a scheduled meeting.[4]
A variety of people, including project managers, salespeople, evangelists, and policy-makers, commonly rehearse and use elevator pitches to get their point across quickly. An example is pitching an idea to a venture capitalist or angel investor to receive funding. Venture capitalists often judge the quality of an idea by the quality of its elevator pitch and will ask entrepreneurs for their elevator pitches in order to quickly weed out bad ideas and weak teams. Elevator pitches are also used in many other situations. Personal uses include job interviewing, dating, and summarizing professional services.
What this entry does not emphasize is the importance of the elevator pitch, for EVERYONE especially beginning professionals and college students. It also fails to mention just how often the pitch can be utilized, how to build one, and that a pitch is not a one size fits all model.
I decided to tack on information discussing why an elevator speech is important and what an elevator pitch should include:
The uses of an Elevator Pitch go beyond giving a brief introduction in an elevator. There are many more likely uses such as cover letters, email introductions, mentor requests, introductions at career fairs, introductions in interviews, casual networking encounters and leaving voice mails. The elevator pitch is so important because it is the first thing that people ever hear or read about you. Even before your resume, or proposal gets in their hands, your elevator pitch sets the stage for why they would spend the time to look at your resume, proposal or presentation, which leads to an interview or meeting, which leads to the job offer or grant.
The key to using your elevator pitch for the variety of settings listed above is to get the foundation right.
- First, the pitch should be short. The base of your pitch should take no more than one 1 minute to recite or 200 words to write. It should include who you are plus a credential, you should think of your credential as either something that differentiates you from you peers or something that establishes a relationship or similarity between you and your audience.
The speech should contain a specific objective. Get to the point quickly about what you are looking for or how that person can help. Your objective should be something that the person can directly facilitate either by making the decision him or herself or connecting you to someone that can get you closer to that objective.
Your Elevator pitch needs to show how you have demonstrated your interest. Give examples of things that you have ALREADY completed or committed to that illustrate this interest. E.g) Don`t just say that "I have always want to be an doctor". You should be able to say, "I have taken pre-med courses."
Briefly discuss why you are qualified. This is your chance to communicate what makes you someone that your audience should consider helping. People typically like to help those that they feel will be successful in the process. There are a couple of things you should think about when highlighting your qualifications: Include your industry relevance, leadership, expertise, pedigree and impact
- Lastly, give the audience two options on how they can assist. This is an old sales trick. Always give two options. A person will often flatly turn you down if you give them one option, but if you give them two options, then they often commit to one of them. This is different than communicating your objective. As I mentioned above, the objective is the end goal; here you want to communicate how the person can help you in the process that leads to that end goal.
This strategy is transferable whether you are looking to market yourself, a product or a company. No elevator pitch is "one size fits all" and often need to be moderated depending on the purpose or audience of your elevator pitch.
I cannot emphasize just how much an elevator pitch can help round out your job hunting arsenal. I'm sure many of my readers aren't as lucky (for lack of a better word, I mean really, how lucky can you be about getting assigned homework!?) to be forced into writing a speech for class and getting it reviewed by a professor who worked in the business sector for over 30 years prior to teaching.
If you need help getting started on your pitch, or getting your pitch reviewed, utilize your career service office! Also, here is a cool tool you can use: The Harvard Business School (ooooooh Harvard) created an Elevator Pitch Builder to begin your "pitchcraft" as they put it, definitely worth checking it out!
Harvard Business School Elevator Pitch Builder
So get to writing! And always remember...
Be authentic. Be brief. And above all: Be Ready!
There is something to be said for first impressions. Appearance is the first thing you communicate to others. Before you have a chance to speak, others notice how you dress and draw conclusions about you accordingly. Appropriate dress is one of the most important factors in your job search. Your dress creates an impression that can complement your credentials and give you an extra edge over a field of other qualified competent individuals.
There are standards of professional dress in all career fields. Some industries are more traditional, such as banking, consulting and business. Let the dress standards in the field(s) in which you are interviewing be a guide to what you wear for your interview. Attire in fields such as advertising, the arts, fashion, communications and entertainment is generally less conservative, so the rules are a bit more relaxed. Their dress code may be one of Business Casual Dress.
Business Dress for Interviews/Job Fairs:
Men's Interview Attire:
Suit. Black for men was once considered severe or overly formal, and may still be considered so in very conservative industries, although it is commonly worn by many. Other color trends may come and go; avoid the extremes. Choose a solid such as dark blue, or very subtle weave pattern or plaid—the kind that look solid from across a room. Wool, wool blends, or very high quality blends with natural fiber, are the only acceptable fabrics for a conservative men's suit.
Long sleeve shirt. Choose white or light blue solid, or conservative stripes or coordinated with the suit.
Belt. Black or cordovan leather, to match your shoes.
Tie. Tie styles come and go. Select good quality silk ties. Avoid fashion extremes, like character ties, in interviews. Notice what men in your industry wear on the job, at career fairs, at information sessions, when they meet with clients.
Dark socks, conservative leather shoes. Dark socks, mid-calf length so no skin is visible when you sit down.
Jewelry. Wear a conservative watch. If you choose to wear other jewelry, be conservative. Removing earrings is safest. For conservative industries, don't wear earrings. Observe other men in your industry to see what is acceptable.
Neat, professional hairstyle.
Facial hair. If worn, should be well-groomed. Observe men in your industry if you are unsure what's appropriate or are considering changing your look Limit the aftershave.
Details. Everything should be clean and well pressed. Suits typically have tacking stitches to hold vents—on the jacket back and on sleeves — in place before the garment is purchased. Cut them off if your retailer/tailor doesn't. And that tag stitched on the outside of your sleeve is not meant to stay there like a Tommy Hilfiger label—cut it off! Carefully inspect clothes dangling threads, etc. Lastly use a portfolio or briefcase.
Women's Interview Attire:
Suit. (Navy, black or dark grey)—Wear a two-piece matched suit. Tailored pants suits are appropriate for women. Pants suits can be an excellent choice for site visits, particularly if the visit involves getting in and out of vehicles and/or the site is (or includes) a manufacturing plant or industrial facility. If you wear pants, they should be creased and tailored, not tight or flowing. If you are pursuing a conservative industry and are in doubt, observe well dressed women in your industry on the job, at career fairs, at information sessions, etc.
Skirt lengths. Much of what you see on television shows that masquerades for professional attire is actually inappropriate for a work environment. Your skirt should cover your thighs when you are seated. Showing a lot of thigh makes you look naive at best, foolish at worst. A skirt that ends at the knee when you're standing looks chic and professional. Longer skirts are professional too; just make sure they are narrow enough not to be billowing, but not so narrow that you can't climb stairs comfortably. Don't purchase a skirt or decide on a hem length until you sit in the skirt facing a mirror. That's what your interviewer will see. Ask yourself whether it will be distracting or reinforce your image as a person who looks appropriate for a business environment or gathering. High slits in skirts are not appropriate. A small back, center slit in a knee-length skirt is appropriate. On a calf length skirt, a slit to the knee to facilitate walking and stair climbing is appropriate. The suit skirt should be long enough so you can sit down comfortably
Coordinated blouse. Underneath the suit jacket, wear a tailored blouse in a color or small print that coordinates nicely with your suit. A fine gauge, good quality knit shell is also appropriate underneath your suit jacket. Don't show cleavage.
Conservative shoes. Should be leather or fabric/micro fiber. Shoe styles and heel heights come and go. Choose closed-toe pumps. Regardless of what is in style, avoid extremes; no stilettos or chunky platforms. Make certain you can walk comfortably in your shoes; hobbling in uncomfortable shoes does not convey a professional appearance.
Limited jewelry/accessories. (no dangling earrings, or arms full of bracelets.) No jewelry is better than cheap jewelry. Wear a conservative watch. Jewelry and scarf styles come and go. Keep your choices simple and leaning toward conservative. Avoid extremes of style and color
Neutral pantyhose. Should be plainly styled (no patterns), sheer (not opaque), and in neutral colors complementing your suit. Avoid high contrast between your suit and hosiery color.
Always remember to use a professional hairstyle; the more simple, the better.
Cosmetics. Light on the perfume. Keep makeup conservative. A little is usually better than none for a polished look. Nails should be clean and well groomed. Avoid extremes of nail length and polish color, especially in conservative industries.
Portfolio or briefcase, Pad folios. Preferred over a bulky briefcase. A small briefcase is also appropriate. But if you have no reason to carry a briefcase, don't; you risk looking silly.
Purse/bag. If you carry a purse, keep it small and simple, especially if you also carry a briefcase. Purse color should coordinate with your shoes. You may choose to carry a small briefcase or business-like tote bag in place of a purse. Leather is the best choice for briefcases; micro fiber or fine woven's are also acceptable.
In conclusion, a suit for both women and men is almost always appropriate for all types of interviews. Buy the best quality business suit you can afford. Make sure it fits well, is comfortable, and is pressed before you wear it.
For some interview tips refer to my post: Do Your Research Before A Job Interview. For more clarification, a Google search will give you both picture examples and tutorials. Good luck interviewing!
