The Elevator Pitch
"TELL ME something about yourself' is perhaps one of the most dreaded questions in interviews. This is the interviewer's way of giving you a chance to put your best foot forward and display your communication skills to their maximum. But it can be a pretty tough job to condense your life and career history into a 30 second capsule and make it sound convincing and interesting at that. However, the whole process of recruitment is tilted in favor of people who are able to sell themselves, and it is important that you be able to catch the attention of your prospective employer with an interesting opening.
The `30 second pitch', or the `elevator pitch' as it is commonly known, is the verbal equivalent of your business card. It defines who you are, and what you do to build your network of contacts and prospective employers. You need to be able to effectively communicate who you are, the kind of work you are looking for, and a brief summary of your background, skills, and experience - all in the time it takes for an elevator to rise or fall 20 stories (about 30 to 45 seconds on average). Hence, the name `elevator pitch'.
You should prepare your elevator pitch in writing, rehearse it, and practice it, like an actor or a salesman, until it sounds natural and not memorised. The words have to roll off your tongue almost by reflex. A poorly rehearsed pitch is as good as not having a pitch at all. It can create a negative impression. Rather than preparing a boring inventory of your name, age, qualification and experience (details which the employer can gather from your résumé, anyway), try to tell an interesting story. Quote an incident that underscores a particular skill, a short two or three-sentence highlight of your work experience, a brief description of your expertise, and the types of organisations you have worked for. Focus on your transferable skills, not on your job titles. You may also want to include a statement on what differentiates you from the other applicants.
End your pitch with a question, giving the listener an opportunity to respond. Perhaps a question on the specific career area you are exploring; something like, `What are the skills and experiences that you looking for in a prospective employee?' could give you an opportunity to begin a more detailed discussion.
You could also have one basic pitch that you customise according to the situation. Be brief and remember that the purpose of an elevator pitch is to catch the attention of the listener and get him interested in finding out more about you.
BINDU SRIDHAR
faqs@cnkonline.com
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