So what is the Perfect Pitch?
A key element of a successful job seeking strategy is creating a strong first impression that grabs and sustains someone’s attention. What you say and do during the first 30 seconds at a networking event, during an interview, or while introducing yourself to a potential employer at a career fair, must be strong and memorable enough to set you apart. You need to be ready to deliver an overview of your experience, showcase your skills and strengths, and highlight accomplishments and career goals all in 30 seconds. This overview or personal commercial once refined becomes your Perfect Pitch.
Creating the Perfect Pitch
For many, engaging in self-talk and praise is difficult however this is not the time to take the shy approach; creating the Perfect Pitch, may be what grabs someone’s attention, gets you an interview or lands you a job. When creating your Perfect Pitch ensure that it clearly provides the following information about you:
1. Who you are
2. What is your career or employment goal?
3. What are you looking for in a job?
4. What skill, strength, or experience do you have that is relevant to the job or industry you are seeking?
5. What accomplishment substantiates you have the skill, strength, or experience mentioned?
6. What differentiates you from the competition?
7. How can you immediately bring value to an organization?
So what makes a Perfect Pitch Attention Grabbing and Memorable?
Is it your great experience, admirable accomplishments and goals which makes your Perfect Pitch stand out from the rest? Well, not necessarily.
There are other factors that take your Perfect Pitch from ordinary to EXTRAORDINARY.
• Smile as you make your delivery
• Introduce yourself with a good handshake
• Acknowledge everyone present – by name, if possible
• Maintain good eye contact during the entire conversation – don’t get distracted by the surroundings
• Be genuine – let your personality shine through without being extreme
• Speak slowly, audibly and clearly
• Articulate your value in a meaningful and concise manner
• Ensure that your Perfect Pitch does not fall short of perfect, by sounding rehearsed
• Prepare to deliver different versions of your Perfect Pitch to avoid sounding robotic and repetitive as you work a room or to better fit with the venue
• Be natural, conversational, and professional – focus on pauses, tone and inflection
• Refine your vocabulary – beware of using slang
• Be confident and enthusiastic
• If you don’t have a clear career direction – get clear. Focus on 1-2 job titles and/or 1-2 industries you would like to pursue – avoid sounding unsure
• Listen actively – take mental notes of the key highlights of the conversation and about the prospect(s)
• Ask relevant questions
• Dress professionally – dress for the job you aspire to have
• Setup the stage for follow up discussion/interaction – obtain business card(s), communicate an interest to learn more about his/her organization, challenges, current projects, etc.
• Develop a rapport and set a positive tone – place focus on others to gain a better understanding of their needs
• Develop a strong closing – focus on what you can do for them
Remember, you will use your Perfect Pitch or some variations of it throughout many events and encounters in your professional and personal life.
Some relevant uses include:
• During an interview – when asked “Tell me about yourself”
• Within a cover letter –to highlight your background, key strengths and abilities
• On your resume – as your summary of qualifications
• At professional networking events, meetings, or seminars – as you introduce yourself
• During a cold call
• During a casual encounter – when asked “what do you do?”
A Pitch versus a Perfect Pitch
While some job seekers choke up, stumble or simply break out in hives as they find themselves having to network or interview, many do nervously string together a few sentences and deliver a Pitch. Not a Perfect Pitch.
We have all at one time or another been at a loss for words speaking about what we do, and when that happens, we lose an opportunity to make a greatand memorable impression. Avoid these pitfalls. Don’t deliver just a Pitch…deliver a Perfect Pitch.
Learn from this example:
The Pitch
[flashvideo file=video/thepitch02.flv /]
The Perfect Pitch
[flashvideo file=video/theperfectpich02.flv /]
Now, don’t forget that practice makes perfect. If you want further tips and a venue to polish your Perfect Pitch and much, much more, join our Revved Up For Hire® Career Club!
Click here to learn more (Revved Up For Hire )
