An ʹelevator speechʹ has its roots in the early days of the dot com boom when web development companies needed venture capital. The term comes from a scenario of an accidental meeting with someone important in an elevator. If the conversation inside the elevator in those few seconds it took to go from one floor to another was interesting and value adding, the conversation would continue after the elevator ride, ending in an exchange of business cards and a scheduled meeting with a venture capital firm.
In other words, an elevator speech that worked was able to describe and sell an idea in
30 seconds or less. Today, an ʹelevator speech’ can be any kind of short speech that sells an idea or promotes you as an individual; it’s a commercial about you, a door opener or advertisement, if you will, that draws the listener in by getting their attention and wanting to hear more.
When creating your ‘elevator speech’ keep in mind that you are introducing yourself to possibly a complete stranger so put yourself in their shoes and think about how much time they have, what they would be thinking about you and what they would want to hear.
Here is a simple example:
“Hi, my name is Mary Jones and I’m looking for a position as a _____________in the local area.
If your company is hiring for that type of position I’d appreciate a chance to interview for it.”
Short, sweet and to the point.
Keep in mind the job search process is not about you; it’s about what you can do for a potential employer. In other words can you make their job easier and most importantly, can make them more money!
In other words, an elevator speech that worked was able to describe and sell an idea in
30 seconds or less. Today, an ʹelevator speech’ can be any kind of short speech that sells an idea or promotes you as an individual; it’s a commercial about you, a door opener or advertisement, if you will, that draws the listener in by getting their attention and wanting to hear more.
When creating your ‘elevator speech’ keep in mind that you are introducing yourself to possibly a complete stranger so put yourself in their shoes and think about how much time they have, what they would be thinking about you and what they would want to hear.
Here is a simple example:
“Hi, my name is Mary Jones and I’m looking for a position as a _____________in the local area.
If your company is hiring for that type of position I’d appreciate a chance to interview for it.”
Short, sweet and to the point.
Keep in mind the job search process is not about you; it’s about what you can do for a potential employer. In other words can you make their job easier and most importantly, can make them more money!
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