Your introduction to employers at career fairs can be an awkward experience. What do you say? How do you begin? Your elevator speech is meant to be a personal mini-commercial, 30 to 60 seconds long, highlighting your most related experiences and strengths. The formula below can help you develop a strong elevator speech of your own.
Begin with a general Introduction:
“Hello, my name is (name), I am a (class year) at the University of St. Thomas majoring in (list major(s), minor(s))”.
+ Add what you are currently involved in:
Look at your resume and identify the things that are “Present” or “Current”. This could include current related courses, jobs, internships, and campus or community activities.
“I am currently enrolled in (title of related course), and (title of related course). I am also working on campus in the (name of office/department), and involved in the (name of club/organization) as a (highlight leadership role in club/organization)”.
+ Add what you have done in the past that is directly related:
This again could included courses, internships, work experience, study abroad and activities.
“This past summer I had an internship at (name of company), and studied abroad in the fall at (name of school/program)”.
+ Add your strengths/attributes that may come from these experiences that would relate to the position/company that you are interested in:
“Through my education and experiences I have developed strong (skill/attribute/knowledge #1), (skill/attribute/knowledge #2), and (skill/attribute/knowledge #3), that would help me to be successful at (name of company)”.
+ Add a brief statement or purpose:
“I am interested in the (title of position) that was posted on the job fair website, could you tell me more about that”?
= This could all add up to:
“Hello, my name is Mary. I am a Junior at the University of St. Thomas majoring in Marketing with a minor in Spanish. I am currently enrolled in Marketing Research and Consumer Behavior. I am also working on campus at TommieCentral and involved in the American Marketing Association as a Vice President. This past summer I had an internship at Superior Marketing, and studied abroad in the fall in Barcelona. Through my education and experiences I have developed strong analytical and organizational skills, and the ability to work well with others that would help me to be successful at Awesome Marketing Firm. I am very interested in the Market Research Internship that was posted on the job fair website, could you tell me more about that”?
- Subtract anything that is unrelated if you feel like your elevator pitch is too long (longer than 30-60 seconds)
Remember to smile and give the employer a firm handshake. As you are presenting your elevator speech, hand over a copy of your resume (which should be previously reviewed by the Career Development Center and printed on professional resume paper). Preparation is more than half the work of going to a career fair! Be sure to visit the Career Development Center or attend a Job Fair Success Tactics Seminar for more information.
Written By Laura Lankton
