You've Got One Minute

Your elevator pitch can change your life.

You know the cliche: How many times do you get to make a first impression?  Well, just one.

When seeking employment, your elevator pitch really comes in handy at two key moments:

1. When you are networking with a new person..."Hi, my name is..."

2. When you are responding to the predictable interview lead question..."So tell me a little bit about yourself."

If the person opposite you (with one hand on a beverage and the other hand holdinga plate full of cheese and crackers) seems interested, you then get 30 - 60 seconds more to make your pitch.

For professionals participating in the upcoming Get Hired! Virginia - Career Speed Networking Experience on 10/27, you'll get a full minute to make a memorable personal elevator pitch.

Here are 4 suggested P's to keep you (and me) focused:

1. PASSION

People like to hear passion in your voice.  So ask yourself what are you passionate about? If you don't believe it, neither will the other person.  If you're passionate about project management, for example, be upfront about it.

2. PROFESSIONAL VALUE

What value do you bring to the employer? Or the community? Remember, it's not about you (e.g. avoide statements that start with "I am seeking a position...").  It's always about what problems you can solve.

3. PERSONAL INTERESTS

If you want to be memorable, you have to go beyond your professional achievements.  Identify one or two activities or interests (non-controversial) that make you more human and interesting (e.g. "I enjoy cycling in the countryside with my daughter")/

4. PITHY

Whatever you say, keep it succinct.  If you talk for over a minute nonstop, you have spoken too long. If you meet someone at a reception or in an interview, your brevity will speak volumens about how well you communicate in a professional setting.  From my perspective, job interviews are an indication of how candidates (if hired) would respond to questions in a meeting with executives.  At the Get Hired events, each person will have one minute to deliver his pitch.  And yes, there will be a one-minute "hour" glass at each table so that participants do not cut into each person's time.  Everybody at the table gets one minute.

So here are three real examples from a job seeker, recruiter, and an entrepreneur that are participating in the Get Hired Virginia event:

1. JOB SEEKER

Hello, I'm Wendy Jenkins. I have five years of experience as a public relations strategist and writer.  I've served as a spokesperson and directed communications for a local government association and a private boarding school.  I'm an excellent writer and editor with experience writing newsletters, press releases and web copy.  I've interviewed a variety of people from the city mayor to a homeless person. 

I have experience using Adobe Photoshop and Indesign, Quark Xpress and email marketing applications.  I'm looking for my next exciting PR position in the metro Richmond area. 

2. RECRUITER

Hi. My name is Carol Greer.  Carol the People Connector! Connecting great people to other great people is what I am all about! 

Here is my business card.  Please let me know how I can help you or possibly someone you might know.  Networking and referrals are my business. 

3. ENTREPRENEUR (that's me)

Hi, my name is Brent Peterson.  Like Brent Musburger.  Hold the Musburger.  JMU and UVA Alum.  Like all the great people here today, I help Americans get hired. 

I am the founder of a company called Interview Angel, Inc. based in Ashland, VA, the Center of the Universe.  We deliver our product nationwide and have helped customers as close as the University of Richmond and as far away as Honolulu. 

My company also organizes career speed networking events to get professionals connected and to raise money for charity.  This event is actually our first so thank you for being here!  This event would not be possible without the tireless help of over 25 volunteers.

As a business owner, I am seeking an executive assistant and a career trainer plus marketing and business development help.  Oh, and event planners to take this career speed networking concept nationwide :-).  

Here is my business card.  My contact information is on both sides.  Please let me know how I can help you connect to the right person.  I look forward to staying in touch and helping you achieve your goals.  If nothing else, I enjoy meeting good folks at Starbucks to discuss football and the latest episode of Lost.
 

For reference, my example above is exactly one minute.  I did time it and I will bring a copy of my pitch to the Get Hired! Event (better to have it just in case :).  

Please share your recommendations or examples for other professionals.

Thanks!

Brent

I am the Human Resource Director of Morton Consulting.  At Morton, we specialize in Information Technology.  We help consultants find great jobs and we help clients determine their staffing needs and provide them the right candidates.

I have been a recruiter / sales person for 12 years. I am a recruiter by nature but, really, I enjoy selling people, products and services that I'm passionate about.  I love making Connections!

I have experience creating strategic communication plans, including one that received an award of excellence from the International Association of Business Communicators.  I have a master's degree in communications from VCU.  I'm most effective at newswriting, creating relationships with the media and taking an organization's communications plan to the next level.