Study Notes on Elevator Speeches

Introduction to Elevator Speeches

• An elevator speech is a concise and effective way to present oneself to potential employers.

• It serves the purpose of quickly showcasing who you are and the skills you possess.

• The term "elevator speech" suggests its use in scenarios such as a brief elevator ride, but it can be utilized in various contexts, including:

  • Job fairs

  • Following up on job applications

Key Components of an Elevator Speech

• An effective elevator speech should not include irrelevant or overly personal information.

  • Example of what NOT to say:

  • "Well, my name is Jane. I was born in a small town in North Dakota weighing, like, eight pounds…"

• Instead, focus on a structured approach that emphasizes:

  • Who you are

  • Your skills and experience

  • How these can benefit the employer

Examples of Elevator Speech

• Poor Example:

  • Zach's speech:

  • "Hi. I'm Zach. I'm graduating high school and need some money. I don't have any experience except in playing video games, but I think that means I can press buttons on a cash register pretty quick. What do you say? Wanna hire me?"

  • This example lacks detail and fails to properly articulate skills or professionalism.

• Good Example:

  • Lacey's Speech:

  • "Hi. I'm Lacey, a junior at Northern Arizona University. Simply put, I love talking to people. My experience in retail and food service for the past five years has made me fall in love with customer service. I've learned to be a problem solver, a great team member, and a leader. I'd love to bring these skills to your company and build upon my previous experience."

  • This example demonstrates clarity, showcases relevant experience, and expresses eagerness to contribute to the employer's team.

Scenarios of Use for Elevator Speech

• An elevator speech can be used in various everyday situations, including:

  • Standing in line at the movies

  • Attending job fairs

  • Interactions in an actual elevator

• The objective is to be prepared for unexpected opportunities to connect with potential employers.

Call to Action

• Encouragement to engage with the content:

  • "I hope you found it helpful. If you liked this video, let us know below."

  • Viewers are encouraged to ask questions about their job search.

  • Reminder to subscribe to the YouTube channel for continuous updates on job search advice.

An elevator speech is a concise presentation of yourself to potential employers, designed to showcase your skills and experience in a professional manner. Here are the key elements to consider when creating your elevator speech:

1. Content of Your Elevator Speech

   • Discuss only professional information, avoiding personal anecdotes.

   • Professional statements to include:

     • "I work with ___ who wants to ___ by ___."

     • "I provide ___ to ___ so they can ___."

     • "I am ___ who ___ because ___."

2. Introduction Components

   • Clearly state your name.

   • Mention your academic major.

   • State your anticipated graduation date.

   • Include your hometown.

3. Resume Highlights

   • Summarize key items from your resume, such as skills and experiences that are relevant to potential employers.

   • Discuss your future plans and how they align with your career goals.

   • Highlight any significant accomplishments or certifications you have earned.

   • Mention degrees you hold.

4. Personal Touch

   • Identify your goals and what makes you unique and stand out as a candidate.

5. Delivery Tips

   • Maintain a professional appearance and choose a suitable background for the recording.

   • Focus on physical delivery and vocal variety to keep the audience engaged.

   • Use appropriate nonverbal communication to enhance your message, ensuring that your enthusiasm and confidence come through.

By following these guidelines, you can create an elevator speech that effectively showcases your qualifications and clarity of purpose to prospective employers.