The Elevator Pitch

An elevator pitch is a brief (think 30 seconds!) way of introducing yourself, getting across a key point or two, and making a connection with someone. It's called an elevator pitch because it takes roughly the amount of time you'd spend riding an elevator with someone.

You are searching for a new job and are planning on dropping your resume off at a company you are interested in. The person responsible for hiring at the company you want to work for suddenly steps into the elevator with you. Imagine that you are the only two people there, and you have less than a minute to convince this person you are what he/she may be looking for in an employee. What do you say after you tell them your name?

Use the 3 P’s:

Previous experience/training (# of years / educational qualifications / status)

Portable skills (transferable skills from other areas in your life – work and personal)

Personal traits/passions (characteristics / soft skills)

Write it, practice it and use it – the result may lead to your next job!