Tags: elevator pitch | employment | jobs

• From the moment you target someone to deliver your message, remember that you are on the clock and it starts from the moment you utter your first words.
• Get to the point.  Don’t waste time with a lengthy or wordy introduction.  Rather, a momentary introduction will suffice and then, get right into your message.
• Look for body language cues.  The majority of our communication is through non-verbal signals and as a result, it is important to pay attention to your audience’s interest and gestures.  Look for favorable gestures such as smiles, nods and perhaps questions.  Unfavorable gestures may include loss of eye contact, arms wrestling and willingness to cutoff the conversation.  Allow the feedback to tell you whether you are on track.

The second important element of an elevator pitch is the message.  This is the opportunity to share who you are and what you are seeking.  An effective message is comprised of the following:

• Start with a positive, confident and uplifting introduction.  This sets the tone for the message and common sense courtesy goes a long way in this case.
• If possible, learn something about your audience in advance.  Sift through any information that allows you to connect – a common school, professional association or hobby. 
• Be specific.  Articulate who you are and what you are seeking.  Ensure that at the end of your message, your audience knows these two key pieces of information.
• Practice, practice and practice your message.  Unlike the opening and conclusion, which can be modified depending on the audience, the message is the core of your pitch.  Make sure you know it and it comes out smoothly.
• Keep the message concise.  Stay on target with the aforementioned specific points and don’t deviate.  Avoid wordy or confusing language and filler words such as “ahs,” “ums, “so you know” and “like.”
• Maintain eye contact.  This displays confidence and trustworthiness – it’s all about a good first impression.

The final section of an elevator pitch is the conclusion and the key factors to successfully closing a brief communication include:

• A thank you.  Sometimes, the simplest things go a long way and people appreciate being thanked.  This is an opportunity to thank your audience for listening and for any potential leads.
• Smile.  Again, it is a simple gesture and someone is more likely to remember a candidate who smiled at the end than one who didn’t.
• Close with your name.  These will be your last words and you want to ensure that your audience remembers you. 

These are some of the important tips in developing and delivering an effective elevator pitch.  Combined, an example might go something like this:

“Hello, I am Jane Doe,

I am currently in transition, looking for a brand manager position with a company with an established marketing program.  Although I prefer to remain in San Diego, relocating is an option.  Previously, I was brand manager at ABC Technologies and Director of Customer Service at XYZ Corporation, where I used my marketing and sales skills to establish new clients and implement client loyalty programs.  It is a pleasure meeting you and thank you in advance with my search.

Again, my name is Jane Doe.”

This example is concise and to the point.  It starts out with a name introduction and transition reference, and immediately into the message – what this person is looking for, the skill set that might benefit an employer and examples of how she impacted her former employers.  Finally, the pitch wraps it up with a positive ‘thank you’ and with her name repeated – all in less than 30 seconds.

Go ahead and put your elevator pitch together and practice, practice, practice!  Before you know it, this will be one of your first successful steps going forward.  For more information on this topic, check out:

http://ezinearticles.com/?How-to-Create-a-Compelling,-Branded-Elevator-Pitch-for-Your-Job-Search&id=1128958