ELEVATOR SPEECH

or

PERSONAL COMMERCIAL

The Elevator Speech or Personal Commercial is a useful tool in job searching.

It can be used in a variety of situations, such as:

Job clubs or networking groups

Casual opportunities, like waiting lines, flights, social events, etc.

Summary section of LinkedIn Profiles

Cold calls to employers

Job fairs or hiring events

Job interviews, such as the “Tell me about yourself” or “Why should I hire you?” questions

Common components of this tool can include:

Greetings Introduce yourself

Areas of Expertise Major job functions and skill categories

Experience Personal experience in your industry and occupation

Strengths Skills and abilities you excel at

Accomplishments Outstanding achievements that demonstrate your strengths

Professional Style Aspects that describe how you get the job done

EXAMPLES

Hello, I’m Clark Kent, I have five years experience in the newspaper industry. I specialize in investigative journalism, interviews and editorials. I excel at writing creative pieces about agriculture that interest the general public. I have been recognized for my abilities with multiple writing awards. I’m a hard worker, that knows how to get the job done and I’m interested in expanding my experience into a major metropolitan setting.

Hi, my name is Bruce Wayne, and I help companies become more efficient. For example, I’ve helped a company decrease its office supply costs by 40%, I’ve helped a company increase its productivity with a few simple re-configurations, and I’ve helped a manager devise new ways to keep her staff motivated.

TIPS

Shouldn’t sound memorized or rehearsed

Practice saying it and ensure it flows natural and doesn’t sound awkward

Typically last between thirty seconds and one minute

Try to have a personal business card or resume handy

Ask for insights, advice, resources or tips

Tailor it to the situation

NOW CREATE YOUR OWN

You can use the examples below to get you started. Please note that they may or may not fit your situation. Remember, this is a work in progress and may take a few times to get right.

EXAMPLE 1

Hello, I’m, I have years of experience in the industry. I specialize in, and . I excel at . I have been recognized for my abilities . I’m a and I’m interested in .

EXAMPLE 2

Hi, my name is, and I . For example, I’ve, I’ve, and I’ve .

WRITE YOUR OWN