Creating An Elevator Speech That Doesn't Bore

When you show up to a job interview, you dress to impress, smile at the hiring manager and offer a warm handshake. Then you open your mouth to speak. What do you say? By creating a brief elevator speech, you can ensure your introduction is unforgettable, letting you market yourself to the recruiter as a valuable asset to the organization.

1. Determine Your Reasons

Ask yourself why you're seeking the position. Why do you work in finance? Why is being a journalist your passion? Why did you pursue a career in teaching? By determining your "why," you can come up with unique ideas to incorporate into your elevator speech and make you more personable and memorable.

2. Don't Overdo It

Your elevator speech should not be a verbal reading of your resume. Reciting a bunch of company names and employment dates is likely to make the hiring manager's eyes glaze over with boredom. Instead, focus on including one or two unique facts that make you stand out, and tell the recruiter what makes you an asset to his organization.

3. Include a Call to Action

Your elevator speech should state your goals clearly and end with a call to action that lets the hiring manager know exactly what you're hoping to achieve. This is your chance to tell the recruiter why you want to work for his organization and show your enthusiasm for the position.

4. Avoid Buzzwords

Resist any temptation to use your elevator speech as a name-dropping opportunity. Don't throw out the names of previous colleagues or high-profile bosses. Avoid spouting off a lot of company jargon, industry terminology or cliché phrases. Focus on creating a genuine speech.

5. Get the Timing Right

An elevator speech is so named because you should be able to deliver it between floors while on an elevator with your captive audience, so consider this when timing your speech. Try to reduce it to 25 or 30 seconds. A lengthier speech makes the hiring manager lose interest and doesn't offer him the chance to respond in reasonable time.

6. Practice Until It's Perfect

After you write the ideal elevator speech for your interview, practice it over and over until you know every word and it sounds natural. Practice it alone, in front of the mirror and in the company of friends. Act enthusiastic, and offer a genuine smile as you deliver your speech.

Once you perfect your job interview elevator speech, you can use the same formula to craft other introductions for a variety of professional uses. Come up with a brief speech to introduce yourself during company sales calls, or use an elevator speech to familiarize yourself to the audience when you give a presentation.

Photo courtesy of Sira Anamwong at FreeDigitalPhotos.net