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Your "Elevator Speech"

Many times during your job search you will need to introduce yourself and give a brief summary of your background and career goals. Preparing an “elevator speech” (so named because can be delivered in the time it takes to move from one floor to another on an elevator) that is clear and concise will send a positive message about you at job fairs, information interviews, or chance meetings of potential career contacts.

Your elevator speech should include approximately four to six sentences:

  1. Follow this formula: name, class (senior, junior), major, opportunities that you are seeking, any relevant work experience (work, internship, volunteer service), and highlights of skills and strengths.
  2. Tailor your introduction to each contact or employer based on good research and knowledge of their organization or company. How will you fit with the company? Most companies have web sites that provide information about their products and services.
  3. Ask an engaging question. End your introduction by asking a focused question that will engage the employer in conversation such as, "Could you tell me more about the new (product) you are developing?" or "Could you tell me more about your financial management training program?"
  4. Practice your introduction. "Winging it" is not a very wise plan of action, especially when a potential job is at stake. You'll project confidence and charisma during your introduction if you are comfortable with what you are saying. Naturally, it should sound natural, not memorized.
  5. Incorporate positive nonverbal communications, such as eye contact, facial expressions, body language, posture, etc. A mirror, a friend, and/or a career services staff member are all good practice partners. Ask for constructive criticism and keep practicing until it sounds natural.
  6. If you are contacting someone to schedule an information interview, you might want to conclude with: Can you suggest a convenient time when we could discuss your work and some of the goals and challenges or your organization?
Example of an elevator speech:

"My name is Chris Carson and I will soon be graduating from Otterbein University with a degree in environmental science. I've always been an outdoor person with an appreciation for nature and became interested in preserving the environment ever since my days as a Boy Scout. My career goal is to be involved with an environmental organization and I hope that my past experience in promoting sustainability on campus provides a good foundation for work at a green company. Along with my academic background in environmental issues, my strengths are my ability to multi-task and conduct research. During my last year in college I was able to juggle interning 20-hours a week at the Central Ohio Sustainability Alliance, working on my senior research project and still keeping up my GPA."

Paraphrased from an article by Kevin Gray, an associate editor at the National Association of Universitys and Employers.

/ Center for Career Planning

The Center for Career Planning is located on the corner of Grove and Home streets near the center of campus behind "The Rock."

Office Hours
M-F: 8:30 a.m. – 4:00 p.m.

Contact
Ryan Brechbill, Director
e / rbrechbill@otterbein.edu

Ashley Strausser, Associate Director/Internship Coordinator
e / astrausser@otterbein.edu

Marilyn Williams, Admin. Asst.
e / mwilliams@otterbein.edu
p / 614.823.1456
f / 614.823.3052

Mail
Center for Career Planning
1 South Grove Street
Westerville, OH 43081

 

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