Are you about to launch your job search? If so, you might be checking tasks off your list. Perhaps that includes things like updating your resume and LinkedIn profiles, cleaning up your social media accounts, and scheduling networking tasks.
But there’s another task that many job seekers overlook—creating a polished pitch that highlights your unique value. When you’re looking for a job, it’s crucial to be able to talk about yourself in a way that will make potential employers want to learn more. This is where having a great elevator pitch comes in.
Creating a Job-Winning Pitch
Having a great pitch isn’t just for professionals in the sales industry. A pitch is genuinely about being able to summarize what you do in about 30 seconds or less.
And while it’s unlikely that you a hiring manger will have a timer and cut you off at 30 seconds sharp, the idea is that you should be confident in what you offer and the value you add. Being able to sum that up in a concise explanation ensures you can weave that narrative throughout your job search.
Where Your Pitch Lives
Are you thinking that a good pitch only lives in investment documents and boardrooms? Think again. There are several different places where a hiring manager will interact with your pitch.
Your Resume
First and foremost, your pitch should be included in your resume. It’s important to remember that your resume is not just a list of your experience. It’s also an opportunity to introduce yourself.
The first step in creating a solid resume is crafting a strong message throughout. Think about what makes you unique and why someone should hire you. Then, use that pitch to sell yourself throughout your resume.
In addition to including it in your resume summary, work it into your descriptions of past experiences. For example, describe how you identified and solved problems in previous roles if you’re pitching yourself as a creative problem-solver.
By utilizing your pitch in your summary and then infusing it throughout your resume, you’ll create an informative and engaging document that reinforces your specific skill set.
Your LinkedIn Profile
How well are you leveraging LinkedIn? Many job seekers focus solely on their resume when trying to land a new gig, but your LinkedIn profile can be just as important. Many hiring managers will find you through LinkedIn first and want to see a snapshot of who you are before they read your entire profile.
To stand out, make sure your pitch is clear and concise. Don’t try to cram too much information into a few sentences—you should be able to sum up who you are and what you do quickly.
Second, don’t be afraid to toot your own horn a bit. Include any relevant awards or recognition and any statistics demonstrating the impact you’ve made in your previous roles.
Finally, ensure your pitch is up to date and reflects your current career goals. That way, you’ll ensure that your LinkedIn profile makes a strong impression on potential employers.
Throughout Your Networking Activities
Are you like the majority of job seekers who would rather see the dentist than attend a networking event? If so, creating and sharing a professional pitch might become your new favorite networking tool.
A lot of the struggle around networking is not knowing what to say. But with a pitch, you already have a targeted message to work into your conversations.
Whether at a job fair, networking event, or even just meeting someone new at a party, you need clarity in what you’re trying to communicate, which often makes networking substantially easier.
Once you have a well-thought-out pitch, practice saying it aloud until it feels natural. Remember, first impressions matter, so make sure your pitch is polished before you launch it into real-world situations.
How to Craft Your Professional Pitch
An outstanding professional pitch can be the difference between a potential employer forgetting your name five minutes after meeting you or calling you in for an interview. It’s a quick way to introduce yourself and let the other person know what you do and why they should care.
Here are a few tips if you’re unsure how to create yours.
Who You Are
First, start with a brief introduction. Include your name, what you do, and why you’re passionate about it. Remember, your professional pitch is meant to be a conversation-starter, not an exhaustive list of everything you’ve ever done.
What You Do
Next, give a brief overview of your experience and skills. Keep it concise and ensure that it leaves the person you’re speaking to wanting to know more. Ideally, you’ll highlight your most relevant qualifications and accomplishments. Be sure to focus on how those qualifications can benefit the company you’re pitching to.
What Are You Seeking?
To maximize the effectiveness of your pitch, it is essential to end on a clear note. Indicate to your listener what it is that you are looking for, whether it is a job, networking connections, or otherwise. This will help to ensure that they remember you and your pitch when they are in a position to help you.
For example, you might say:
I would love to chat further about any opportunities that might be available at [company name].
By being clear about what you want, you increase your chances of getting it.
Putting It All Together
Once you have all of the elements of your pitch ready, it’s time to put it all together. Remember to aim for around 30 seconds. This may seem like a short amount of time, but with some practice, you’ll be able to deliver a well-crafted pitch in no time.
Your goal should be to sound natural and confident when delivering your pitch. To help you achieve this, try practicing it out loud several times before using it in a real-world situation.
And finally, don’t forget to tailor your pitch to your audience—different listeners will be interested in different aspects of your background and experience.
Suppose you’re a freelance writer. Here’s what an effective pitch might look like for you:
Hi, my name is [name], and I am a freelance writer with over 10 years of experience in the architecture and design industries. I’ve worked with many clients to create inbound marketing campaigns and have been featured in several national publications. I am confident in my ability to produce high-quality content, and I am always considering new clients for which I might be a good fit. I would love to chat further about your company’s content needs.
More: How to Introduce Yourself in a Job Interview
Winning the Job
With these tips in mind, you’re well on your way to crafting a pitch that will support your job search and help you land the position you want.
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