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"ELEVATOR" or Personal Introduction (30-SECOND)


WHAT IS IT?

An elevator speech, sometimes called a "30 second commercial", enables the listener to become aware, relatively, quickly, of specific, unique, and impressive attributes you can bring to a position. It is essentially a 30-second monologue describing the benefits of buying a particular product or service-YOU! The name comes from the idea that if introducing yourself to someone in an elevator, you only have a few seconds to do so before the elevator stops and either you or the other person gets off. Your introduction must therefore be brief, concise and get right to the point.

WHEN DO YOU USE IT?

  • At a career fair
  • At an interview ("Tell me about yourself.")
  • Professional associations/ organizations meetings (when asked to introduce yourself)
  • In a cover letter
  • Social/networking events

WHAT CAN I INCLUDE?

  • Who am I ? (Your name)
  • Why am I talking to you?
  • What is my objective?
  • What are my strengths?
  • How did I achieve those strengths?
  • What are my passions?
  • How do these apply to your company/industry/location?
  • What do I want from you?

 

Resources

HOW DO I PUT ALL THAT TOGETHER TO MAKE IT EFFECTIVE?

  • Use the word "I" as little as possible.
  • Use crisp, concise, and memorable language---not over-detailed and rambling statements.
  • When emphasizing your strengths, link them to the perceived needs of the employer.
  • Be descriptive of your acquired skills and abilities.

DO's and DON'Ts:

 

DO:

  • ... Make it sound natural, effortless and conversational.
  • ... Make it sincere.
  • ... Let them see your true personality.
  • ... Keep it current.
  • ... Project passion for what you do.
  • ... Include your competitive advantage.
  • ... End with an action request. (Ask for a business card or for an interview, etc.)

DON'T:

  • ...Leave them asking "so what?"
  • ...Let it sound canned or memorized.
  • ...Ramble.
  • ...Try to sound too self-important.
  • ...Get bogged down with details, industry jargon or slang.

SAMPLE SENTENCES YOU CAN USE IN WRITING YOUR INTRODUCTION:

  • My strongest skills are...
  • I have ___ years of experience in ...
  • I have a solid background in ...
  • I am an experienced _____ with detailed knowledge of ...

PUTTING IT TOGETHER ... AN EXAMPLE:

 

  • Who am I?

    • Hello, my name is (your name).

  • Why am I talking with you?

    • (Referral's name) suggested that I speak with you.

  • What is my objective?

    • I am interested in (Company's name) management training program.

  • What are my strengths?

    • I have been effective in problem solving, collaboration and team work, and leadership.

  • How did I achieve these strengths?

    • I will complete a Bachelor degree in International Business Management in April. Our integrated business core requires student teams to establish and operate a business during one semester. As the president of our business, (student company name), I (elaborate more on how you developed the strengths you mentioned earlier.)

  • What are my passions?

    • I enjoy working with a team to improve processes and solve difficult problems.

  • How do these apply to your company/industry/location?

    • I am confident my abilities will (the benefits you think you can provide).

  • What do I want from you?

    • I am especially interested in (company/industry/location) and would like to learn more about the management training program within your company/industry/location.


Put this all together, reduce the number of "I" statements, and rehearse it until sounds natural and unscripted.

SOURCE: Information adapted from Bill Brady's ( BYU Marriott School) presentation and a reference sheet from the University of Delaware MBNA Career Center.