YOUR TWO MINUTE PITCH
January 15th, 2006
This is the backbone of your search. You will use your pitch during job interviews, in your cover letters and when you are networking. This answers the difficult question “Tell me about yourself.” You should have more than one two minute pitches. Keep the following in mind:
1. Who you are pitching to
2. Why would they be interested in you
3. Who your competition is
4. What you bring to the table that your possible competitors do not
Too often, the pitch is too long! This is not your “life story” it is a two minute commercial which usually takes only 30 seconds when you have it mastered.
You also need to keep the following in mind:
1. Let the person know you are bright
2. Show that you have a high level of interest
3. Say only things that are relevant
4. Come across at the right level
If you are not currently employed and someone asks you “WHAT DO YOU DO?” an effective answer could be
“I’m currently a free agent on the open job market and it’s really exciting!” Then you give your two minute pitch to let this “listener” know who to refer to you! How many times have you met someone not employed and when you ask that questions they give you much too much information on why they are not working.
Your pitch needs to be enthusiastic, positive, and make the listener want to ask you additional questions. You need to practice, practice, practice until you are very comfortable with the various pitches you write. Finding a job involves “SALES SKILLS.” If you are not a salesperson, you need to become one and mastering your pitch if your first step in selling yourself.
You will be amazed how many more interviews and job offers you will receive when you know how to make an excellent first impression with a prepared pitch! A good pitch is also very empowering and helps increase your confidence level which is critical when you are in transition!
You WILL be amazed by the results you will achieve.
Barb Bruno