Military Employment Guide: Elevator Pitches

Updated on
elevator pitch guide military

Step By Step Guide to Employment:  The Elevator Pitch for General Military

During your journey to find a new job after the military, having a good elevator pitch is a must. You will be able to use the pitch in many different places. But what exactly is an elevator pitch? Here is what you need to know.

What is an elevator pitch?

An elevator pitch is a quick intro to who you are, what you do, and what value you can add to a company. The name comes from the time it takes you to ride in an elevator, not very long. Your elevator pitch is your first impression to a new company or contact. They shouldn’t be longer than 30-60 seconds. 

What goes into an elevator pitch?

  • Talk about yourself in a professional context. You want to include the details that make sense for the job you are trying to get.
  • Make it compelling. You will want to spark the person’s interest in you. Remember, this is what will draw them in so they will want to work with you.
  • Talk about some of your skills, you do not have to talk about every single one.
  • Talk about your assets. What can you bring to the company? What do you have to offer?
  • Remember, in this case, it is okay to brag about yourself.
  • Talk about what you are looking for such as, “I am looking for a job in finance” or “I am currently looking for a job in sales.”
  • Include your military service. Mention the branch you served in, how long, and some of the skills you used during your time in the service.
  • Don’t include your entire work history. You won’t have time and that isn’t necessary.

Tips for your elevator pitch

  • Practice practice practice. You will want to practice your elevator pitch. You can do so with family and friends, or by recording yourself. You don’t want to come across like a robot. Practicing will help the elevator pitch flow naturally.
  • Know your audience and who you will be talking to, at least generally as in the case of a job fair.
  • Bring a business card, as well as a resume if you will be using your elevator pitch at a job fair.
  • Try not to speak too fast. You want to slow down so others can fully understand you.
  • Create different pitches based on where you will be using them and who you will be pitching to. This is very important if you will be applying for different types of jobs.
  • When starting your pitch, give your full name, extend your hand for a handshake, and tell the person you are talking to that it is nice to meet them.

Where to use an elevator pitch?

  • Career or job fair
  • A professional networking event (this would be with the goal of making contacts)
  • Job interview
  • LinkedIn profile

Quick template for your elevator pitch

Make sure your elevator pitch includes:

  • Intro, who are you?
  • What do you do and how do you do it?
  • What has happened because of your work and how are you unique?
  • What can you offer the new company?
  • End with a call to action

Craft and rehearse your pitch many times before you will actually use it. Having it ready to go will help you be even more prepared for your job search and will give you a clearer understanding of the type of job you are going for. It will also give you the confidence to go after what you want when it comes to your post military career.

 

RELATED:

 

 

Updated on
Tagged: