Elevator Speeches Are Still In Vogue

During the job hunt, it is important to develop a compelling elevator pitch, which is a brief summary of who you are and what you can do for a potential employer. Your pitch should convince an employer within 30 to 60 seconds that it needs you on its team. Here are some suggestions for making your pitch clear, persuasive and memorable.

Determine What You Want Your Pitch to Accomplish

Before developing your pitch, figure out your main objective. Are you trying to get a new job? Are you looking to secure a new client or network connection? Whatever the objective, write it down so you can tailor your pitch accordingly. Next, write down all your skills and experience related to your intended goal.

Structure Your Pitch

Once you write down your relevant traits and experience, put it all together into a cohesive format. Your pitch should succinctly answer these questions: Who are you? What do you do? What are you looking for? What can you do for you audience? Here's an example of how to start: "Hi, I'm Theresa Chatman. I'm an executive assistant with over 10 years of experience in the finance industry, and I'm looking for opportunities in Atlanta." Just like in a job interview, your pitch should focus on the needs of your audience — not just your greatness. Once you establish who you are, briefly discuss some specific details of value to your audience.

Edit and Edit Again

Take all the details you've written thus far and edit them down to only the most relevant and most compelling information. Read over your pitch to see how it sounds to the ear, and take out anything that sounds odd or doesn't fit with your objective.

Record It

Record yourself reading your pitch aloud. This may be uncomfortable, but it is essential to give you a good idea of how your message flows. It also helps you determine the clarity of your pitch and cut it down in length if necessary. Continue to edit, and then record again and again until your pitch is 60 seconds in length or less. Recruit friends or family to listen to your recording and give constructive criticism where needed.

Commit It to Memory

Practice reading your pitch aloud until you commit it to memory. Knowing your pitch by heart helps you avoid freezing up when in a nerve-wracking situation such as a job interview. When it comes time to give the pitch, keep it conversational and natural; you don't want to sound too formal or rehearsed.

Your elevator pitch is like a 60-second commercial. It can be tailored for different situations, but its main function is to sell you and your skill set to a potential employer, client or contact. Once perfected, your pitch should prove invaluable at job interviews, networking events and, if an opportunity presents itself, even in actual elevators.

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