WEBINAR: Build a Compelling Elevator Pitch

Opening and Introductions

0:01
Okay. All right. So, welcome and thank you for joining us and participating in the career webinar from the Lighthouse for the Blind. This is a recording of our monthly webinar.

Um, my name is Cheryl Cummings. My pronouns are she, her, and I’m the workforce development manager here at the Lighthouse. I’m a black American woman who is blind.

Today, our speaker is a retired executive recruiter and author who will introduce herself in a few moments. There are also two ASL interpreters who um are on screen and will spotlight themselves throughout the presentation. Captions are turned on.

This is a part of a series of webinars for people who are blind, low vision, deaf blind or blind with other disabilities. The purpose being um of this series is to provide uh career webinars to provide you with tools and resources which you can use to take charge of your career exploration and career development.

Each month we focus on different topics such as tools to write a resume, the use of assistive technology in the job search process, interviewing, networking, and self-employment. Look for future announcements and please do join us.

So to get us started, I invite our speaker to in to introduce herself. Tell us who are you.

---

Speaker Introduction

1:49
Well, hello everyone. I am Sarah Freeman Smith and I am an African-American seasoned woman. I’m going to say that has probably 30 plus years of recruiting experience from being an executive recruiter within a staffing industry all the way to leading a diverse recruiting team across the country.

Worked in multiple industries, oil and gas, financial services, manufacturing, etc. So, I really really love and enjoy sharing my insights when I was working for an organization that I couldn’t share with a candidate as far as empowering them to be more effective during their interview process, dur job search skills and more importantly ultimately landing a job.

So I am definitely looking forward to uh this uh the discussion on the importance of an elevator pitch. So great to be with you as always.

I was so excited that you said yes because I just know that you’re the perfect person to help us with this um topic today.

---

Webinar Overview

3:06
So today um we’re going to be talking as Sarah said about elevator pitches.

Um, we’re going to talk about what an elevator pitch is, why um, it is useful when searching for work. We’re going to talk also about the parts of an elevator pitch.

And most importantly, um, we are going to spend some time showing you how to write a compelling, um, elevator pitch.

So, let’s get started.

Um, so Sarah, can you talk about what an elevator pitch is and how it is used during the sort of job search process?

---

What Is an Elevator Pitch?

3:48
Most certainly. Well, first of all, let me give you a little bit of history of why it’s called an elevator pitch speech, etc.

It really was started, believe it or not, way back in the early days of Hollywood when different individuals, producers, actors, etc. had movie ideas and concepts and they were talking to all of the studio executives and the only time they couldn’t make appointments because they were obviously super booked.

So, they would jump on the elevator and they would give them this pitch. just like get to it. And by the time they got off that elevator, they told them the value of why they think this would make a a great movie. And then obviously it would lead to okay, let’s schedule a time to talk and go, you know, further details.

However, we’re talking early Hollywood days. Let’s fast forward to the ‘9s when the job market was obviously significantly down and individuals were looking for work and the power of networking uh was really really being pushed.

So you could use that same elevator pitch concept that was, you know, started back in the Hollywood days, except do a different spin and use that to help from a job search perspective and as well as networking.

So I don’t want you to just exclusively think of an elevator pitch as just something that you would do when you’re looking for a job and expect, you know, hiring managers, recruiters, etc. to ask that question.

An elevator pitch is a s a a simple way of encompassing who you are, what value you bring, and how you can make that impact, you know, within an organization or with, you know, whomever you’re you’re speaking with.

---

Using an Elevator Pitch for Networking

5:46
So, it also is a great way to use this networking. But think about it when you network. Networking isn’t where you’re going to an association meeting or an alumni club.

But it could very well be while you’re sitting in the stands, you know, and your kids are playing soccer and you know the parents are sitting all around.

Usually you’re having conversations and somebody’s doing something. They’re either doing things on their phone and next thing you know you’re talking they’re talking about work.

So if you are in the market of looking for a job, always cease upon those opportunities to network.

So don’t think of them as that structured networking atmosphere because it could be again sitting in a doctor’s office or something.

I I remember just a couple of weeks ago I was in uh the a medical office with my husband and someone was you know talking on their phone and when they finished they watched me. I was using voice over and the next thing you know there was a conversation.

So tell me what exactly do you do? What are you doing on the phone? So that led to a whole opportunity to tell the things that I do from a volunteer perspective.

So these are things that and that elevator pitch will give you that confidence and it’s not a long lengthy tell me your life story.

Uh what I find and why it is so critical it is because this allows that person to kind of get a little mini picture or mini movie of who you are and then that leads to more questions because believe it or not even though when you go on an interview and most of the time they may lead in hey so tell me a little bit about yourself Sarah so tell me who Sarah is about tell me something about you.

So this is that opportunity that you can take within 30 seconds to no more than a minute to encapsulate everything that either you’ve done in the past or have a desire to do in the future and how that can add value to the organization or to that person that you’re talking to.

So that’s why it’s so critical and I can tell you over the many many years don’t assume that just because you were meeting with someone who has a scheduled interview that they have thoroughly read your your resume because oftent times especially when you are in a in a in a busy corporation and you’ve got multiple interviews they’ll do a quick eye scan.

they’ll print that, you know, print it out or scan it really quickly on their on their laptop, but most of the time they may not have thoroughly reviewed that so they’re prepared.

So, this gives you an opportunity to kind of encapsulate what’s on that resume and that leads them to ask more questions or leading into some some uh other questions in which you can begin to expand on.

So, that’s the power of that that elevator pitch. But I have had some good ones and they were so impressive that I definitely wanted to continue to have conversations with that individual because this is probably usually the very early stages of of meeting someone.

So think of it as as that first impression.

---

What Not to Do

8:59
But on the other hand, when I’ve asked people, oh, so tell me a little bit about what you do or what what what are you looking for?

And when I get their life story, and when I say literally life story, I grew I was born and raised in De Moines, but my father was in the military and he got transferred to Germany and then we moved back to the States and then we move.

I have the whole life story and I’m sitting there and you’re sitting there and you’re getting to the point, why are you here? I don’t need to hear the life story.

I want to know who you are, what you bring to the table, and how that can help my organization.

I always tell people, don’t ever forget when you are talking to another person and especially when you are trying to sell yourself or sell anything, they’re listening to one radio station and we all do it.

The name of that radio station is W I FM. What’s in it for me?

Think about it. I’m sitting there looking at you. I know you want a job, but I’m trying to figure out how is Cheryl going to add value or make a difference with my company.

And hopefully Cheryl will differentiate herself from the rest of the people that I’ve got to interview.

So that’s the only radio station they’re tuning. So everything you say, they’re listening. Okay, well then that’s great. Oh, she worked for that kind of company. Oh, she has this kind of Oh, that’s one of her skills.

All those things are checking off the boxes that I’m looking for.

So always don’t forget they are wanting to know what can you do for us, not knowing that you’re there because you need a job and hey, I need to make as much money as I possibly can. But you just can’t say it like that.

So that’s why it is so very important to shape and understand that power of that elevator pitch.

---

Parts of an Elevator Pitch

10:57
So that’s Yes. Yeah. No, I I love the fact that you broadened out this concept, right? And you reminded us to think not just about how it applies to work, but basically how it applies to every part of our lives.

Mh. So, I’m going to I’m going to sort of follow on what you said and talk about sort of the parts of an elevator pitch.

And there are four four parts.

The one the first part as Sarah said is like who are you, right? But it’s got to be brief. So, your name and uh sort of a a friendly greeting.

The second part is what do you do? So you can talk, you can highlight your education, your um skills, your strengths, your experience, but all of this focusing on what is relevant for your listener as Sarah said, what’s in it for me, the person that’s listening to you.

Um the third part is what do you want? I mean, and that is truly. So are you interested in a job? Uh do you want a meeting? Do you want to collaborate?

And sort of again um emphasizing the values you bring to be it the job, the position, the the activity.

And the fourth part part is the conclusion. So uh you want to conclude with a call to action. What that means is um would you like to exchange contact information? Are you requesting a time to meet?

Um so always end by suggesting a next step and keeping it sort of simple for the listener.

So, um, so now that we’ve sort of talked about like the purpose and the parts of an elevator pitch, um, Sarah, how can I, as I’m getting ready to delve into writing or coming up with my, um, elevator pitch, like what would you suggest I do to prepare?

---

Preparing to Write Your Elevator Pitch

13:09
Well, most importantly, you need to sit down and begin to write down your top three uh skills, competencies, qualities, assets that most companies will find valuable.

But more in particular, if you’ve already have a job posting in mind and you see what some of the key qualifications are, this person must be self-sufficient, independent, work uh well uh within a team, um strong communication skills, heavy, you know, maybe uh it states uh heavy, you know, answering phones or something of that nature.

but key in especially whatever particular job you have.

So then you think about these are the top three things that I know that I am I’m very good at. So you want to make sure you include that in in your elevator pitch.

You also want to summarize the the number of years of experience that you have. If you don’t have any experience, talk about why you’re looking to start your career within that particular industry.

And then most importantly, and this is where most people fail, is try to do as much research as you can about a particular industry or a particular organization.

So you can kind of loop a little bit of that into your speech. So it shows that you know a little bit of why you feel that this would make an asset to ABC company or something of that nature.

So encapsulate or summarize the number of years of experience that you gained.

Then talk about the qualities or skills that are obviously very valuable and important to that employer.

And then of course you want to write down now what is it that I really want to do? Do I want to work full-time? Do I want to work part-time? Am I looking for an internship?

You have to be specific as to what you are seeking.

And then always end with somewhat of a call to action. I I hope that we can schedule the time to discuss this in you know your job openings or I you know hope that um I can meet with you at some point where you want to have a call to action.

I’m looking forward to meeting with one of your team members to discuss the current opening that you have and how I can make an impact something of that nature.

So that’s what you want to start writing down and then once you write it down then you’ve got to practice it.

So those are the kind of things because most of the time people are going I don’t know what I can do. Well you got to know what your strengths are and you you have to make sure that these are things that the company would also find valuable.

When you say I’m friendly well why is it important that I know friendly? Well, if I’m applying for a retail job in customerf facing um in a customerf facing role where people are coming in and I have to greet them. Well, friendliness is important.

So, that’s where you want to kind of correlate and connect that friendliness.

I enjoy you know um uh working with face tof face with customers. I have strong interpersonal skills that that’s more of something where you are used to talking and meeting and greeting people.

So you just think of well I’m friendly but what does that mean to a company?

So those are some of the things that um you need to start writing down because it is hard trying to think of those things on the fly.

But once you capture all of those then we’re going to talk about how you can start breaking down and adding that and building it into a pitch.

---

Dependable Strengths Resource

17:03
And and just a little self-promotion.

Um I’ve got to say, you know, if somebody’s like strengths, how do I figure those out?

Um we did uh one of our first, if not our first um webinars talked about strengths and sort of a method of figuring those out that doesn’t require you to like take a test.

Really just focuses on sort of the things you really like to do um and and helps you identify the ones that we call dependable strengths.

So the ones you like to use on a regular basis.

Right. Definitely.

---

Scenario 1: Receptionist Position

17:46
All right. So, this is I’m so excited because now we really get to sort of the meat of the program, right?

Which is we wanted to spend some time sort of working out talking out loud about how you create and how you write a compelling um uh elevator pitch.

So, I’m going to create a scenario because I love scenarios.

So, um I’m going to pretend that I am um interested in a receptionist position.

And oh, so Sarah, here’s my pitch.

So, good morning Sarah. Um, my name is Cheryl and I have 5 years of experience working as a um, part-time receptionist and I am now looking for a full-time opportunity.

I’m good and would and would love to work for you.

So Sarah, based on that, like like what’s your feedback? um what would you say is good about this elevator pitch and then sort of what changes would you recommend?

---

Feedback on Receptionist Pitch

18:56
Right. Well, it it was very short and concise. That that’s that’s a plus.

She did Cheryl did state she was looking for part-time and she stated that um she the job the type of job she’s looking for is a receptionist and that she had five years of experience which is great.

uh this the the mention that she’s good. What does that mean? So, we can flesh that out.

And that um she is now looking for I believe she said full-time role.

Yes.

So she tells us today where she is and where she wants to be, but it falls flat because it’s not as compelling or I still as an employer don’t get what’s in it for me.

So what I would recommend that Cheryl do is lead off obviously with her name.

She also didn’t share with the employer the industry where she gained those five years.

Five years of experience, that’s a good thing. Anytime you have more than a year or two, that’s some tenure.

So, even if it could have been all temporary short-term jobs, but all added up together, you know, anything, you know, from a year, two years, that shows that um you have some some tenure, some staying power.

So, it would be important to me as an employer to know where you gained the five years of experience. In other words, what type of company and also as a receptionist, receptionists aren’t one-sizefits-all.

You could have been in a back room back, you know, just sitting there answering a big console of phones and transferring them to people, or were you sitting at the front desk?

Did you only simply greet people and you know direct them to you know their appointments or did you take deliveries?

Was it where people are waiting to come out and then pick up a particular client or a customer?

So it still was a lot of open areas that you could share that that company would say, “Ah, okay, that’s similar.”

Because I’m sitting here thinking the whole time I’m interviewing you, I’m saying, “How would she fit in this organization and what does she bring to the table?”

So if you paint a picture of where you’ve got experience, then I can see you, oh, okay, we’re busy. Okay, we do this. Okay, we do that. She’s done that.

And then obviously she really didn’t expand on on her strengths other than the fact that she said she’s good.

So I can only imagine, you know, being a receptionist that, you know, you you’ve kind of got to juggle a lot of things and uh they rely on that receptionist being there all the time.

So dependability, reliability, those sorts of of traits and characteristics are good.

And then basically ending it with why she would be of value to my company. Well, if she’s done that for five years for ABC Company, then obviously that was only on a part-time basis.

Imagine what she can do on a full-time basis.

So, those are things that I would do to strengthen her uh uh pitch and on the fly.

I kind of practice this myself. So, let me pretend I’m Cheryl and give you my remix.

Okay.

Okay.

---

Revised Receptionist Pitch

22:36
Hi, I’m Cheryl and I have five years of work experience working for a busy law firm.

I was responsible for managing all of the front desk operations, scheduling and ensuring that all our clients felt welcomed when they entered our office.

I am seeking an opportunity now as a full-time receptionist where I can utilize my dependability, my organizational skills and the strong interpersonal skills that I have with customers to make an impact within your organization and keep your team on on on par with working with their clients.

So, I am hoping that I can find a few minutes to schedule a time so we can talk further about your job openings.

---

Why the Revised Pitch Works

23:31
So, right, that’s so much better.

I pulled I pulled in the five years at the law firm and I told them busy law firm, but then what does that mean?

I told them I managed all the front desk operations. I scheduled. I made all our clients feel welcome.

Now I’m looking for a full-time role because that’s the the next course.

So either you got fired, you quit what you know obviously most of the time one wants to increase responsibility and income but you didn’t have to say that.

Now I’m seeking a full-time role to use those same skills. I had to be dependable. I had to be organized and then making my customers feel welcome.

So then I reverse that and say I want to do those same things and to make an impact with your organization to keep you guys you know going.

So let’s see if we can schedule a time to talk.

So all of that showed value. It made more of an impact. It provided specifics where they could relate.

Now, if I’m in a slow paced office and I don’t, you know, have a lot of deliveries and scheduling and things like that, then that may be, oh, I think she might be bored because we’re not as as fast-paced.

But that filled in the the picture for me as an employer and it gave me, okay, she addressed what’s in it for me because I definitely know the importance of keeping that front desk managed and not having, you know, especially if nobody’s there.

So people are always running around.

So that’s one of the the ways that I would resurface that because it’s always, you know, beneficial from that perspective.

I love it because and it’s it it’s concise, right?

And it it does it meets that criteria of like the four parts of an elevator pitch, right?

I mean you clearly you introduced yourself you you tell you told us like um about your experience told us what you bring and and also as you did that you also told the employer like hey this is who I am and this is what I can bring to your company and do for your company.

So, um yeah. Yeah.

---

Keep It Relevant and Practice

25:50
It it I know when sometimes I know in the past when you hear that you’ve got to sort of think about that um you know create an elevator pitch and it’s got to be 30 seconds 60 seconds people panic at least I have and thought oh how do I get everything into that time but one I think it’s it’s not that you want to get absolutely everything into that um that that time slot right I mean it’s more that you want to get like the relevant things

And the relevant things are certainly things that describe you, but as as Sarah has emphasized, that matter most importantly to the company, to the employer.

Exactly. Exactly.

And then the importance of just practicing it. Trust me, you know, as old as I am, if I were to have an interview tomorrow, I would obviously have to seriously practice non-stop because I have to alter it and and and tailor it for that particular interview, but it just doesn’t just spit it out because I could say something totally irrelevant.

I’m sitting there, I have oil and gas background, but I’m interviewing at a hospital and they’re looking at me side eye like, “Well, what’s that got to do with me?”

Well, then I don’t mention the oil and gas. I just simply say I have 30 years of experience working for a variety of industries. Let them ask me.

So, you know, you have to think about it and then practice and practice and practice and not just necessarily saying it out loud.

I love using, you know, uh my voice memo or tape recorder. You just keep and it’s amazing when you listen to yourself, you go, “Oh my god, I said a 50 oz. you.”

So it helps you to even critique yourself.

So this is something until it it just begins to feel natural.

So uh I tell people it’s not easy but trust me once you do it enough it will flow then you can just you know drop in take out as you as you need be and again it is always short and brief.

The the briefer the better which forces the other person. So tell me a little bit more about so you don’t wind up giving it.

So you really don’t have to do that 60 seconds, but if you’ve got a lot and you want to drive home certain points, so be it.

But definitely definitely, you know, just try to make sure it’s it’s very concise and that you say it with uh with energy and and with enthusiasm so that that person knows they’re kind of trying to memorize stuff about themselves and they can’t remember.

No. So, you know, don’t try to use the fancy words that you normally don’t want to use.

So, just keep it simple. Just keep it short and simple. Kiss.

---

Writing It Down

28:36
Yeah. And and that’s and that’s the reason why I think it’s important that you spend time and actually write write write it down because I mean as as you said Sarah um practicing certainly gives you the opportunity to become really comfortable with saying it because I think for a lot of people there’s a lot of discomfort there are people feel uncomfortable talking about themselves and when you’re looking for work you really need to be really comfortable doing that and um and I think when you write it down um and you take the time that also gives you the sort of knowledge that you can be flexible.

So you know if you’re talking to uh you know the parents at a at a at a football game maybe sort of what you talk about is a little different.

But the thing is, you don’t have to like make it up because you’ve already thought about it and you’ve got some words, you’ve got some ideas and you can pull those out, right?

Exactly.

---

Adjusting the Pitch for Casual Networking

29:42
Yeah. So, just just for an example, now we were talking about that receptionist looking for a job and I’m talking to a hiring company.

Now, let’s just take it. I’m at the soccer game and I’m sitting down in the stands and someone we’re just chatting and they say, “So, hi. So, what do you you know, you come to the games a lot, you know, Sarah, what do you do?

Well, I have I have a lot of years of experience as a receptionist. As a matter of fact, I’ve been working part-time at a law firm for the past five years, and it is wild and crazy.

And I am now looking to get into a full-time uh role where I can use a lot of my organizational skills.

We are really, really busy. We have deliveries, appointments, scheduling, and I have to manage all of that. and I thoroughly enjoy it.

And so I’m looking now to just do it more on a full-time basis now that the kids are, you know, at a level that I don’t have to run all around.

So that’s totally how I would adjust my speech.

I still got my five years, but now I’m talking to a normal person and they go, “Well, you know what? We were looking for a receptionist about a month ago. Let me see if they found.”

So right to do all of the other things.

I’m dependable, but I simply adjusted it. But I was comfortable enough to obviously give them a little bit of a snapshot as to who I am, what I’m looking for, and why.

So, and and I mean, you know, as as Sarah said, not just at, you know, ball games, but almost anywhere, like you need to have something because an idea to tell people.

Yeah. When people if people know you’re looking for work, some, you know, sometimes they ask like, “What are you looking for?”

Mhm.

And it’s and this this having this knowing this helps you to be able to concisely concisely tell them tell them what you’re looking for, you know, and and so they might say, “Okay, you know, sometimes they say I know somebody or sometimes they’re just they’re just they’re just hearing you.”

And that’s okay. It’s okay.

---

Everyday Networking Opportunities

31:46
Exactly. I mean, so it’s the seven degrees of separation theory. You never know who someone knows who someone knows.

And if you don’t let someone know that you are open and looking for an opportunity, then how they’re not just walking around with a billboard saying, “I’m looking.”

So, you just use those opportunities to interject that.

And and again, it doesn’t have to be a structured networking opportunity. You could be sitting there taking, you know, a a class in in pottery 101, but you’re in a an environment with other people and you’re sitting around and you’re you’re just chatting.

So, always use those opportunities to just interject and don’t be afraid to say, “Hey, I’m looking for, you know, workman.”

You don’t have to tell them, “Hey, I’ve been looking for a job now for two years.” You know, that sort of thing.

But, right, definitely want to make sure that you use those opportunities.

And every time you are around people, you never know how that conversation, but you’re comfortable enough to share it with them.

And if you’re confident, then that makes that indelible impression and that person kind of goes, “Yeah, I mean, I I I remember. Didn’t she say she was? Yeah, I remember her telling us that it could have been at a party, but someone paid attention.”

And that’s the thing that you want that elevator pitch to take legs and and walk for you.

And so, at least open up open up that door of u of an opportunity.

and and Cheryl and I were a couple of months ago at a national conference and I stressed to people when we were doing a session, this is a golden opportunity.

You’re here to attend and learn at seminars, but guess what? You’re sitting next to people you just met for the first time.

This is when you should have your your elevator pitch already.

You’re sitting at dinner, at breakfast, you’re going on tours. I mean, all these are opportunities where you get an opportunity to tell people.

So always try to think of that from from that aspect.

So it’s shameless promotion, but if you don’t do it, nobody else is going to come through that front door and introduce you.

So it’s true. You got it.

Yes.

---

Scenario 2: Recent Graduate / TVI Degree

33:55
Yes. So can I can we do a second one because this one is a little different.

So it’s a little different.

Yeah.

So in this scenario, um I am my name is Susan and I just graduated from uh uh college.

Um I just so so um I don’t know. One, two, three.

So hi Sarah. Um my name is Susan and um I just completed my TVI degree, master’s degree.

Um the supervisors of three uh work studies programs told me that I’m really good working with kids and I love working with kids.

And so, um, I would really appreciate a chance to talk with you to find out if there are any sort of openings at your, um, your school.

Okay.

Yeah. So, again, you know, like anything good? Yeah. Oh, no.

Changes, suggestions.

---

Feedback on Recent Graduate Pitch

34:54
Yeah. Yeah. No, very good. told me that um your recent graduate what you got your degree and the fact that it was a master so plus so that piques that interest so not just I recently graduated high school junior college what you know and you threw in the fact that the type of degree so uh you stated that you uh had what your supervisors recommended that or or stated that you were were very good so

We’re going to rephrase that, not necessarily say supervisors, but obviously you were working in a classroom and they recognized that that was a skill that you had, which is very important for a teacher.

And that the fact that you did say that you were looking, you know, to find out if they had job openings, but we’re going to make it a little bit more solid and um just in in other words, kind of position yourself with the company.

So instead of saying if you have job openings just naturally assume and then let them know exactly what type of uh uh work yes you got your grad you know you got your degree in teaching.

So typically most people are looking for full-time work but in this particular instance since especially getting into the classroom you know after receiving the degree I think it’s always good to to throw in some other options.

So this is something else.

So, just like um Cheryl mentioned as a receptionist, she specifically was looking for and needed full-time work, and she stated that in her pitch.

In this instance, I think that uh Susan would obviously be open to full-time or even part-time.

She wants to get classroom experience so she can start putting that on the resume because the experience that she had was work study. still good experience and she has it on the resume, but now she wants to show I’m working for a school district or wherever.

So, uh, she also should state that because don’t assume that people go, “Well, if you tell me full-time, I don’t have any full-time openings, but I have some part-time. I may have some substitute openings, but she didn’t say she wanted that.”

So, making sure you open that opportunity to expand that and leave that with the uh individual.

So, I think that she needs to take away not the fact that the supervisors told her, but that’s her strength and that’s her ability to connect and relate with those students.

And I think we can kind of change that around and and go with it.

As a matter of fact, I had some fun with this one. I’m have to uh read it versus because I’m afraid I’m gonna forget it because I was going that’s pretty good, Sarah.

that that makes so I said don’t trust your brain cells to do this one on the on the fly.

So hold on let’s see how we we redo it and then you can tell the difference.

Okay.

Okay. Let me get to it. Hold on. Let me get to it.

So I got to say Sarah I did write down I did sort of spend a little time preparing to put that one together.

So see and that’s when I said this is a good one. I like this one.

And at first I said, “No, no, I need to spam.” No.

Okay. So, because again, she had some good stuff and it was just like I I call it like going to a restaurant and you order a steak.

If it doesn’t had a sizzle, it’s kind of on the plate. I want the sizzle and all of that that goes with putting it.

So, give it a little bit more sizzle, you know, when we do presentation.

So, yeah. Okay. So, let’s go.

Um Okay.

Um All right. I’m trying to use my my screen reader and listen to it.

Okay.

---

Revised Recent Graduate Pitch

38:43
Hi, I’m Susan. I recently earned my master’s degree in in TV teaching students with visual impairments.

And I will hold on hold on. It’s reading too fast to me. Hold on. Let me

Okay, there we go. Okay, let me back up.

Okay. Hi, I’m Susan. I recently I’m I recently earned my master’s degree in teaching students with visual impairments.

And during my graduate work, I had an opportunity to have three internship or apprenticeship programs where I was able to apply what I learned in the class in the classroom with my students.

And I am now seeking an opportunity where I can apply those skills that I learned in the classroom.

and my and I have been recognized as having the ability to immediately connect with my students not only from an academic life aspect but also helping them with their daily life skills which allows me to really feel that I have made a connection and an impact with my students.

I am passionate about making sure that all of the classrooms are inclusive and that all students can in fact thrive.

I would love to be able to schedule a time that I could talk with you and your team to become a part of your teaching staff and I am definitely interested not only in looking for a full-time opportunity but willing to even be a floating substitute if that is available.

Can we schedule some time?

---

Why the Revised Pitch Works

40:42
All right. So that that was that was significantly better.

Yeah. So basically what I was trying to do is whip in those were three apprentichips where she was able to apply what she learned actually and put it to good use in the classroom.

But then I put instead of saying my supervisors told me, I was recognized for being able to connect both their academic learning but also daily life skills because it it you know you get some teachers they’re just A B CD but this you’re connecting with them and then the fact that she’s passionate about being inclusive where all her students can thrive and then you know saying hey I’d love to talk with you don’t just somebody got an opening.

So, even if you don’t have a full-time, I know of no school that doesn’t want to have on staff a floating, you know, type of uh a teacher substitute or what have you.

And in it, in in her particular instance, yes, she got it with uh teaching students with visual impairments, but she’s a teacher by nature.

So, if she’s got to start in in a classroom, that’s where she wants to get her foot in the door.

So it kind of piques their interest and say, “Oh, that would be a possibility. Then we could okay work her in because we really don’t we’ve staffed all our teachers for this upcoming semester, but I know of no one that doesn’t have opportunities, you know, to kind of consider for substitute.”

So So that that’s the difference.

So it’s impactful she got her master’s degree. It’s impactful that you didn’t have just one uh work study and I called them apprenticeships. So instead of work study.

So three.

So working in graduate school and doing that that that showed me you definitely had a busy schedule but being able to apply it and then relate with those students is is very important.

So it left a very very positive impact if I were a principal or or whomever that the uh individual is is looking to talk to.

So that would open up those conversations and say, you know, let’s kind of schedule something from here.

So those are the things that I would make sure that that someone understood.

And I think in the statement it also I you know listening I would think, oh, she’s done a little work, right?

Because I mean, one, you’re telling me certainly you’re looking for full-time opportunities, but you’re also willing to be a floating substitute, and I don’t I don’t think that’s not like everyday language.

No, it’s not.

Most No, they they’re just they have a mindset.

And even from a hiring manager, I’ve had instances where I’m thinking, “Oh, I don’t know if they’ll be that perfect fit, but I wonder cuz some companies have uh internal temporary staffing, you know, roles where that person is kind of a pinch hitter.

Well, okay, I need somebody to go up here. So and so’s out e kids don’t know how long. Okay, we’ll go over there.”

So being able to plant the seed of saying, I know I’m here obviously for full-time, but this is how much I really want to be a part of your organization. I’d be willing to do this and this.

And so plant that seed so when that person leaves, they go, I never thought about that. Let do do we have how many? Oh, we are. Okay.

Then open up that door.

It starts the conversation. You just want to get your foot in the door.

So on the same note, I tell people yes when you go looking for full-time also say I would be willing if your organization utilizes volunteers. I’d love to be able to volunteer to prove to you that I’m fully capable of doing the job.

So plant that seed.

Yeah. Yeah.

Just leave that there on the table because no one else is doing it.

So again, that that differentiates you from from the pack.

So, and don’t undervalue or underestimate whatever you did at work study, it needs to be on your resume and show, you know, that that you did that while you were going to school because that’s also I mean, whenever you’re taking whether it’s a full load or a part-time load and working and juggling and you know, you didn’t flunk out, hey, it’s a good thing.

So, let people know.

I uh did work studying the entire time I was in undergraduate school and I had opportunities to apply because work study is different versus internships typically you’re kind of shadowing someone and they kind of hand you a little bit and then they say that’s good and they check that off and that sort of thing.

But an apprenticeship uh role is where or co-op is where they drop you in the bucket and say, “I need you to do this, do this, and then turn it in over here and let somebody bless it or tell you, you know, that’s not correct.”

So, you really really are fishing and swimming, you know, among the other fish and not just over and not really doing it.

So, you need to let them know that you did that and if you had several during that time, that shows.

Wow. So yeah.

Oh, I love it. Thank you.

This is this is really great. I mean, because I think the the rewrite you shared, you know, again, it it sort of highlights Susan’s education, highlights her experience, highlights and and highlights the fact that I I think she did some research because as I said though, some of that terminology is not generally known.

So, as a listener, an employer, I I think I’d be a little impressed like, oh, she’s done a little research and she understands this field a little a little bit, right?

To talk about the, you know, to have the ask that that Susan did.

So, exactly. Yeah.

---

Takeaways

46:35
All right. So, as always, you know, we think we’ve got tons and tons of time, but it’s always moving a little faster than we thought.

Um, so I want to talk about, um, I just want to talk about some of our takeaways.

Um, so again, um, we talked about the elevator pitch and talked about it being 30 seconds, 60 seconds, no more than that, right?

30 to 60 seconds.

Correct.

Yeah. Right.

And that it is it is a presentation of you and sort of what your skills are, what your experience uh have been and sort of importantly talking more about how all of that will help you to contribute to the work of the organization uh the company the employer that you’re talking to because the important part is certainly you know that you’re presenting yourself but you’re really talking about what you bring and how that will help the organization to achieve its goals or the position that it’s talking about.

And sort of the end part of the um the elevator pitch is to have like the next step, the next the call to action, the question.

Um but again, you know, not terribly complicated, right?

Not complicated at all. Just a straight up ask.

Exactly.

No. And and even if you go, well, I’m I’m sitting I got the interview. So maybe I don’t want to say I hope we can schedule an interview.

Well, once you say how I can make a difference with your organization and I hope by the end of this interview, I am someone that definitely we you will be looking to move forward in the process.

And that’s how you close it.

So I’m already sitting here. So I don’t want to, you know, have an interview. I got that.

So that that closure after I make an impact. I want to make a difference. I want to join your team where I can use those assets, you know, and definitely hope by the end of this interview, I’m want I I am an individual that you want to move forward in this interview process.

So that’s close it out and Okay. Let them do the asking, right?

Exactly. Absolutely. Exactly.

And then um we talked about the importance of like preparing right so taking the time to actually sort of write it down think through sort of your strengths your skills your experiences you know what do you want to share your values what do you want to share with people what you know and what do you really think um best positions you or the position that you’re you’re pursuing.

Right. Exactly. Exactly.

And if you’ve already looked at some of the job postings, you know, you know, they’re keen on must uh fast-paced environment, good strong organizational skills, you know, things of that nature.

So, you want to make sure, hey, did I incorporate those fact those things in my assets that that what I bring to the table.

So, again, doing a little bit of extra research and go, okay, well, great. Then I I I know this is important that I need to uh share with them.

---

Be Honest and Ready to Give Examples

49:56
So I suppose we we this I I don’t want to insult anybody but I do want to say this, you know, please don’t lie.

Don’t exaggerate.

No about yourself.

No. No.

Because then they could follow up and ask, give me an example of how uh excellent your organizational skills are. And if you’re sitting, no, right? That that’s not going to work.

that you you’ve got to be able to back it up because anything that you say it leads them to ask a question, you know.

So, um and and and something is simple. I many people would, hey, we I worked in a hectic environment. Well, I knew where I worked was hectic, but I’m hoping it wasn’t as hectic as yours.

So, then it would lead me to say, so describe a day what what what was it like working in your company?

And when they would say on an average I’d have you know three or four people stop you know by with some deliveries and you know the phones you know how many people were in your I’m I’m answering you know phones for 50 people.

Well my company has 250 people you know so again be careful because they can ask so make sure that it is it is relatable or something to that effect.

So, um, because they can follow back up with those kinds of questions.

So, yeah, definitely don’t overexaggerate or embellish and be prepared to give an example of um, you know, how how or why you stated that.

And a lot of people, for instance, people use dependability.

Well, give me an example of what do you mean by dependable?

Well, there was a time when we had a, you know, major thunderstorm and I knew that it was critical that we do something something.

So, I forwarded my phones to the home up to my home and blah blah blah and contacted whatever.

But show that give me an example of when you when you did something and I go, okay, yeah, that that’s above and beyond that truly is when nobody thought enough, you know, to make sure those are some of the things for sure.

Yeah, I that that is so valuable.

---

Practice and Customize

52:11
Um and we talked about practicing, right?

And so the aim of the practice is for you to like become really comfortable with what you’re saying and also for you to um be confident in your delivery of what you’re saying.

So yeah, so absolutely practice.

Um I think another thing from our our talk Sarah that I’m sort of taking away is that um you know sort of depending on the situation you need to be able to customize your elevator pitch.

So don’t think like oh I got it and then you tell everybody the same thing.

Same thing regardless regardless what be exactly exact

Yeah. No, you you got to have to tweak it every now and then to just fit the situation exactly the same way you would do your resume.

You can’t do one sizefits-all.

So, there needs to be some tweaking and adjustments to make sure that you’ve customized that as well.

So, that’s very true.

Yeah. And I I mean those are some of the things that have stood out to me.

Sarah, are there other things that you would add?

I think we we encompassed most of it and and again don’t forget to summarize the the number of years of experience.

Um in my instance I can’t hide the fact I I’m I’m seasoned.

So even if I just said I’m an experienced you know HR recruiting leader etc. You know it’s some people go why do you have to say 30?

Well hey it is what it is.

I didn’t just wake up and start doing this two days ago.

So you know what I mean?

So I’m proud that and it shows that I have an extensive background in in and in a variety of industries because each one is unique and and has separate, you know, type of quality.

So you just make sure you’re comfortable with how you want to describe yourself.

This is an opportunity that you get to tell your story, your narrative, your own way.

So be uh sure that it is impactful and that that person will go okay well that’s that’s enough for me to get started.

So no, other than that, just don’t forget to, you know, not, you know, uh, overshadow if you have a lot of experience, even if it was you’re coming back to work and it was 10 years ago, you took time off to stay with the family or went to school or what have you.

But just stand proud on what there’s nothing to be ashamed of.

Even if I have not worked in in in 15, 20 years, but when I did, I had, you know, a solid 15 years of experience, I still I can’t erase it.

It’s there.

So yeah, don’t forget to, you know, let people know that as well.

---

Closing

54:54
So as always fantastic, so much fun and so much learning talking with you, Sarah.

So Oh, welcome.

I really want to say um just again, thank you Sarah for, you know, being here and showing us how to like construct how to write an effective and compelling elevator pitch.

As always, I also want to thank the ASL interpreters and our hosts because we need you all here.

You make this accessible and and useful for people.

Thank you.

And as always, you know, I I also want to thank the people who are taking the time to listen to this webinar because I truly hope that as you go through the webinar, you find that you gain knowledge in tools and resources which you can use to help you sort of pursue your particular career development and career goals.

So, um again, thank you so much for joining us and please look for announcements of our future uh career webinars.

Thank you.

56:07
Thank you. Yeah, we’re done.