When you are looking for a new job, networking is a critical step to help you connect with other people in the industry. You’ve probably heard the saying that you only get a single opportunity to make a good first impression, and networking with an effective elevator speech can make-or-break your job hunting efforts.
What is an Elevator Speech?
The elevator pitch or speech is a quick summary of who you are and the skills that you can offer to the company.
The process received the nickname “elevator speech” due to the idea that you should be able to convey your message in the time that it takes to ride an elevator. Most potential contacts don’t have the desire to listen to a long, drawn-out explanation, which is why you need to capture their attention within the first few moments of the conversation.
It is important to have your elevator speech prepared in advance because you never know when you are going to meet someone who could be a potential connection for the next step in your career.
If you find yourself in a conversation where the other person is asking about you, then you need to clearly convey your message without stumbling over your words and feeling uncomfortable because you don’t know what to say.
Elements of an Effective Elevator Speech
There are several important elements that should be included in your elevator speech:
- Start with a “hook” or a question.
You need to make sure to fully engage the other person in the conversation from the moment you begin, because you only have a few moments to make your speech. Begin by asking them a question about a common problem, or have a catchy hook that makes them curious about your skill set. - Show how your skill set solves a problem.
Instead of boring the other person with a lengthy history about your education and experience, a better option is to continue the conversation by explaining how you solve a specific problem that many businesses face. Tell the person a boiled-down version of your skill set, focusing on the benefits that you can offer a company. - End with a call to action.
Wrap it up nicely with a call to action that encourages them to engage with you further. For example, you might clearly state that you are looking for a new job, and explain the reason why it is time for you to take the next step in your career.
It is important that you limit your elevator speech to 30 seconds or less, because you will quickly lose the person’s attention if you ramble on for too long.
Also, make sure that you are talking with a normal, conversational tone. It is easy to slip into a robotic way of speaking, or to make it sound unnatural when you are repeating the same information over and over again. Practice various ways to explain your skill set, so that you can make it a natural part of any conversation.
1. Elevator Speech Example To Land A Marketing Job
“Hi, I’m [Your Name], a marketing specialist with over five years of experience in digital marketing and brand management. In my previous role, I led a team to increase our social media engagement by 50% and successfully launched several high-impact campaigns. Given your company’s focus on expanding its digital footprint, my expertise in SEO and content strategy would be highly valuable in driving your online presence and customer engagement.
I am particularly impressed by your company’s commitment to innovation and creativity, which aligns perfectly with my passion for developing unique marketing strategies. I’d love the opportunity to discuss how my background and skills can contribute to your team’s success. Thank you for considering my application.”
2. Elevator Speech Example For A Software Engineer Role
Here’s an example of an elevator speech tailored for a software developer position:
“Hi, I’m [Your Name], a software developer with over four years of experience specializing in full-stack development. In my previous role at [Your Previous Company], I led the development of a complex web application that improved user engagement by 30% and streamlined internal processes, saving the company significant time and resources.
My expertise includes JavaScript, Python, and cloud technologies like AWS, which align perfectly with your team’s current tech stack and project needs. I am particularly drawn to [Company’s Name] because of your commitment to innovative solutions and your collaborative work culture.
I am excited about the opportunity to bring my skills in software development and problem-solving to your team and contribute to building cutting-edge applications. I’d love to discuss how my background and experience can be a valuable asset to your projects. Thank you for considering my application.”
3. Quick Elevator Pitch For An Accountant
“Hi, I’m [Your Name], a certified public accountant with over five years of experience in financial analysis and reporting. In my previous role at [Your Previous Company], I streamlined our budgeting process, reducing costs by 15% and enhancing financial accuracy.
I’m particularly skilled in using advanced Excel and ERP systems, which aligns with your company’s tools and needs. I’m impressed by [Company’s Name] commitment to financial integrity and innovation.
I’d love the opportunity to bring my expertise in financial management and strategic planning to your team. Thank you for considering my application.”
4. Super Quick Elevator Speech Example For HSE Roles
“Hi, I’m [Your Name], a certified health and safety assessor with over five years of experience. At [Your Previous Company], I improved safety compliance by 20% through comprehensive risk assessments and training programs.
I’m impressed by [Company’s Name] commitment to workplace safety and would love to contribute my expertise to your team. Thank you for considering my application.”
5. Sales Role Elevator Speech Example
“Hi, I’m [Your Name], a sales professional with over six years of experience in driving revenue growth and building strong client relationships. At [Your Previous Company], I consistently exceeded sales targets by 25% and successfully closed deals with key accounts.
I’m impressed by [Company’s Name] innovative products and customer-centric approach. I’m excited about the opportunity to bring my skills in strategic sales and relationship management to your team. Thank you for considering my application.”
Final Tips For Delivering A Strong Elevator Pitch
- Practice: Rehearse until you can deliver it smoothly and confidently.
- Be Concise: Keep it within 20-30 seconds.
- Adaptability: Be ready to adjust based on the audience and context.
- Body Language: Maintain eye contact, use gestures, and smile to convey confidence.
- Engage the Listener: Be genuine and conversational, making it easy for the listener to ask follow-up questions.
Looking for your next professional opportunity? Allen Recruitment is an international overseas recruitment agency based in Ireland but with offices all over Europe, in Sweden, Netherlands, Belgium, France, UK, Poland and Spain. We have a host of exciting opportunities in different industries including financial, tech and life sciences. Get in touch today to see how our expert consultants can help.
Posted in: Job Seeking Resources
