Elevator Speech

The first thing taught in any basic sales course is the elevator speech. The students are told to develop and learn it until they can repeat it in their sleep. An Elevator Speech is an overview of an idea for a product, service, or project. The name reflects the fact that an elevator pitch can be delivered in the time span of an elevator ride (say, thirty seconds or 100-150 words). The term is typically used in the context of a salesperson pitching his product or service to a prospective client.

How does this apply to you? I'm glad you asked!

If you are actively engaged in a job search you are now a marketer and your product is you. The customer is a potential employer or someone that might be on the interview team. It could even be a stranger that is willing to provide you job leads provided they can understand what it is that you do.

Let’s say that you are an office manager at a construction company. When asked do you say that you are an “office manager”?

Or do you say ......

“For the past five years I have managed the day to day operations for a medium size construction company that builds single family homes in the Southeast section of the United States. During this time we have grown from a staff of one to a team of five. My team is responsible for Accounts Payable, Accounts Receivable, Invoicing, Hiring and processing weekly Payroll & Benefits for 150 full-time employees."

In case you didn't count the latter statement contained 68 words, well under the recommended 100-150 words. It gave the person asking the question a true picture of what is it that you do. The person also learned that you have grown during your time there. This truly sets the stage for great communication.

Whatever your title, focus on the real work and develop a speech that communicates your experience in a way that can be quickly understood. Remember to keep it personal and real.