Elevator Pitch That Appeals To Employers

By Ken Tan

Eugene has been a production manager for the past 18 years. He is keen to switch his career to logistics operations.?He has been talking to hiring managers about his experience but none reverts his confidence dips, and he wonders if his elevator pitch is on the right track.

According to the Centre of Career Development at Princeton University, an elevator pitch is a brief way of introducing yourself, getting across a key point or two, and making a connection with someone. The idea originates in an elevator, where the incumbent has a 30-40 seconds time frame to convince a person about your narrative in the lift.?Once the door opens, your pitch stops.

Interestingly, in my years of career coaching, I have seen cases where pitches can be superbly engaging, resulting in employers offering job offers thereafter.

The challenge is to prepare bite-sized content that is impactful and appealing. ?

What should we do?

Let’s look at the preparatory stage first.?I have drawn a quadrant below.?Predominantly, it’s classified into 4 parts.?The key is to rank them (in percentage) and select your preferred top 2 abilities that are specific and measurable.??

For example, you rate skills as 80%, followed by experience at 20%.

Reason: you possess skills that create value, and potentially attract employers’ attention.?It’s then re-enforced with your real-world experience through storytelling that resonates.

So, which do you belong to the most?

After gaining clarity, let’s look at 3 quick tips to enhance your elevator pitches:

Indicate skills to develop a context that creates value

Based on a 2020 study from LinkedIn, persuasion is one of the top 5 most in-demand skills.?

Hence, your pitch can be something like this – “I can influence senior leadership team in decision making’’.?It’s more impactful as compared to a generic statement – “I am skilled in persuasion”.?

Make your elevator pitch relatable

Connecting to what others think is an effective way of engagement.??To do this, use keywords that are known in the industry, or share killer insights about the sector – what you read and what you see. Learning about the profile of the Employer through LinkedIn is also important.?

What are some of the opportunities or issues???

Bring in your skills and experience as part of the pitch to amplify the value

It shows that you are plugged in, and you take the effort to speak about themes that interest them.

Use personal stories from experience to WOW employers

Often, we speak about our experiences but fail to make a strong impression.?Employers need to visualize and get sold on your milestones.?Therefore, fleshing out any past successful work happenings that are short and measurable will help.?Dive deeper – are you referring to your know-how in country markets, sectors, products, or processes????

Example – “I built my years of on-ground engineering experience in China and Dubai (in-country)”

Even surprising and humorous outcomes are also encouraged.?

For example, your colleagues in the marketing team are inspired to collaborate, because you reach out and explore solutions to make things work for them.

Ideally, develop at least 2x authentic, corporate achievements using the CAR approach (challenge-action-result).??Write your story in a handful of short statements and rehearse it with your friends.

CDAS?is an association based in Singapore that aims to Promote and Professionalize Career Development and Management in Singapore.