In these tough economic times, the competition for administrative jobs is fierce. Everyone, it seems is qualified with a degree or two, as well as the requisite experience to match.
So how do you separate yourself from all these contenders? Refine your “elevator pitch.” This 15- to 30-second sales pitch of what makes you right for the job is becoming de rigueur for today’s job seekers. Some suggestions to separate you from the "also rans:"
Don’t Pitch Your Resume. No long list filled with dates, employers or job duties. Instead, summarize the benefits you can provide the employer. Answer the question they’re all hungry for--“what’s in it for me?”
Write, Refine, Re-Write. Write down all your attributes in sentence form. Fill a page or two with all your “pluses.” Then go over the page and refine it: remove anything that sounds repetitive or extraneous.
Practice Out Loud. Try your elevator pitch on your friends and colleagues. Note their reaction to every sentence. Make a mental note the very second their eyes begin to glass over (that’s when you’ve lost them). Then refine and enhance, to ensure they stay engrossed in your pitch.
Tone is Crucial. Monotone pitches are boring. But overly excited pitches can be a turn off, suggesting desperation. Find a balance that maintains your energy level and interest. And watch the pacing. Don’t race through it. Or trail off at the end of your sentences.
The Warm Up. Start your elevator pitch by whetting their appetite for more. Tell them what you're about to tell them in a way that creates interest and curiosity. Then provide the pay off once you have them hooked.
For an added perspective, check out this video:
Got any thoughts on perfecting your elevator pitch? Include your comments in the section below.
Alex A. Kecskes has written hundreds of published articles on health/fitness, "green" issues, TV/film entertainment, restaurant reviews and many other topics. As a former Andy/Belding/One Show ad agency copywriter, he also writes web content, ads, brochures, sales letters, mailers and scripts for national B2B and B2C clients. Please see more of his blogs and view additional job postings on Nexxt.
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