The classic elevator speech – a 30-second commercial delivered in the time it takes to get from one floor to another, crafted to introduce you to new persons who can help in your job search.
What it is not:
• A complete download of your life history
• A sounding board for career indecision
• A rapid-fire release of pent-up information or emotion
• And, thanks to advances in technology, no longer a 30-second trip
So is it still a valuable self-marketing tool for making employment connections? By all means – yes! The time crafting a speech is well spent. However in terms of applying it in real time, consider developing a shorter version.
Take your traditional 30-second speech and shorten it to just 10 seconds. It can easily be done. To do so, focus on these 5 basic, but critical, data points in this order…
• Name
• Years of experience
• Industry
• Your targeted position and a clear objective
• An inquiry for possible leads
Here’s a simple example:
“Hello, my name is Jane Smith. I have 8 years of experience as an Executive Assistant in the Oil & Gas industry and am looking for a similar position in the Healthcare field. Have you heard of any opportunities in this area?”
Delivered in a natural, relaxed tone and given along with a personal contact card, you will be encouraged by the positive response of most recipients…along with any invitation for further conversation on the topic.
Remember, as with all Job Seeking skills, this kind of networking is all about preparation and practice. For more tips and additional assistance in your job search, pay a visit to a local Workforce Solution career office.
JoAnn Kawamoto is a Workforce Solutions Regional Facilitator in the Houston – Galveston area, conducting job skills seminars throughout the 13 county Gulf Coast region. She applies her B.Ed. and over 10 years of workforce development experience, HR, education, employment, training and contract management to assist potential employees identify, refine & connect with employers.
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