In the job search workshops I run, we always begin by going around the room and allowing people to introduce themselves in about 30-60 seconds. These introductions are often referred to as a 30-second elevator pitch, because they give you an opportunity, in about the time you would have in an encounter on an elevator, to explain enough about yourself to entice the other person to want to learn more about you or what you have to offer. Most people, I find, don’t know how to use their 30-60 seconds effectively.
For example, people often begin by naming the industry they’ve worked in. “I’ve been in banking for 25 years.” Interesting to know, but the listener might not know what to say next. It doesn’t tell anyone what, precisely, you do - have you been the custodian, a teller, or a bank VP, or all of the above? - or what you’re looking to do next or what you can do for the person you’re speaking with.
Sometimes people identify themselves using only their job title. “I’m a design engineer, worked for XYZ for 12 years.” In one workshop we had a design engineer sitting next to a design consultant. Similar titles, but very different jobs. When asked to elaborate, the design engineer said he designs parts to make your computer work more efficiently; the design consultant said she helps you envision a new kitchen for your home. If listeners don’t understand the distinction, they may provide design consultant leads to the design engineer.
Effective answers are tailored to the audience. They will be slightly different in a social context than in a work-related or job search context. It’s reasonable to expect that someone in your industry will be familiar with your job title, but someone outside your industry may not be. In a social encounter, try relating what you do to an experience the listener is familiar with. An insurance actuary described herself by saying, “I’m the person who tells you what your car is worth after you’ve had an accident.” Give a one- or two-sentence example. Anne Baber and Lynne Waymon, in Make Your Contacts Count, offer some excellent examples of personal introductions in networking conversations.
You can expect to be asked for a similar introduction during a job interview, with the well-known question, “Tell me about yourself.” In this context, take the opportunity to present one or two short examples of professional accomplishments that illustrate the kind of results you’re likely to produce for the new employer.
In all cases, keep the answer brief - remember that elevator ride - but plan in advance what you want to say so you can pack a lot of punch in your answer.
posted by Wendy Gelberg
