| Dear Steve and Jon, Your last article on networking was great, and I have been attending a few networking groups lately. They all talk about an "elevator speech" that I need to have. What is it? And how do I make one for myself? Thank you! Signed: the ups and downs of job search |
Dear ups and downs, The generic "elevator speech" is what I call in my books a "30-Second Resume." It is an oral synopsis of your resume that you use whenever you have the opportunity to introduce yourself, especially when networking. It must never be more than 30-seconds and you must have planned and rehearsed it many times, so that you can recite it flawlessly. What are the most important parts of your background that you want your listener to know? Experience? Academics? Just be certain to include your top achievements and your job objective, and end your speech with a question that can lead to a dialogue - for example, "Do you know of anyone who just found a job in my field, or have any suggestions for my job search?" |
Dear ups and downs, Having a well prepared "30 second Resume" is an easy way to place your job search effort ahead of 95% of the people out there looking for their next employment opportunity. Having a good closing question will even put you in the top 1%. If you can relate your closing question to the specific person you are talking with, now that is a good close. Like, "I've noticed that you are a leader in this organization and you are well respected for your opinions. Judging from my accomplishments with XYZ Company and the $6 million I have saved them through my strategic procurement, - of the companies you are familiar with, which one do you feel would benefit the most from my efforts within their organization?" Let this network contact know that you appreciate their suggestion and offer to give them feedback on the results (a setup for another dialog). |