Elevator speeches
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Networking & Elevator Speeches
description
Transcript of Elevator speeches
Networking & Elevator Speeches
Networking 101
Expanding your circle of contacts for the purpose of achieving more than you could on your own
Examples
Rules of Engagement
Determine what you hope to achieve and whom you’d like to meet
Dress appropriately for the function Turn off your cell phone ringer & keep in
pocketWear your name tag on your right shoulderMake eye contact, smile, introduce yourself
and give a firm handshakeAsk questions, show interest, and be positive,
friendly, and don’t criticize
Rules of Engagement Continued
Talk less, listen moreFocus on your goals and what you can do for
othersBe brief; make your elevator speech specific and
interestingDevoting 8 to 10 minutes per person is acceptable
so you can mingleCarry professional-looking business cards to
exchange with others - BumpBe genuine, sincere, and respectfulFollow up immediately on leads and new
acquaintances
Business Card
Social Networking
Rules of EngagementDisplay an
appropriate photoFill your “specialties”
section under your summary with keywords
Show off your education
Have your profile filled out 100%
When connecting…
Elevator Speech – What is it?
A thirty second speech Who you are/What you doWhat do you offer/Why you are a great
candidateHow do you do itCall for action
When?
Be prepared at any timeCareer & internship fairsNetworking eventsIn line at the grocery store, at church, at a
sporting event, etc.
Elevator Speech
CaseCreativityDelivery
Samples (courtesy of Optimal Resume)
My name is Mary Anderson, and I’m seeking a full-time position in IT support. For the past year I have worked part time in a technical support center, and have encountered just about every type of person or problem imaginable. I’ve realized that working with people and helping to solve their problems is what I’m best at and what I crave the most. I’m pursuing a certificate in Microsoft Server Administration at RVC at night to give me a broader technical skill set and to help improve my employer’s service levels.
Samples
Hi, I am Jane Smith, and will be graduating in May from Rock Valley College with a degree in nursing. Mygoal since childhood has been to be a nurse. I often find myself caring for others in one way or another and empathizing with whatever they are going through. I’m currently working as a part-time lab assistant at Rockford Memorial, and I volunteer in their oncology unit as well. My eventual career goal is to work in pediatrics, preferably with cancer patients, but I’m open to other assignments as well, especially just beginning.
Creating Your Speech
Who you are/What you doWhat do you offer/Why you are a great
candidateHow do you do itCall for action
Writing Tips
Step 1: Write down your ideas
Step 2: Eliminate unnecessary words, making short, strong, powerful sentences
Step 3: Connect phrases to ensure a natural flow
Step 4: Practice
Step 5: Did you address what is in it for the listener?
Step 6: Create unique versions for different situations
