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National Society of Black Engineers 2 Topics Elevator Speech – Definition Elevator Speech - Guidelines Elevator Speech – Sample Outline – About You – What You Offer – What Are the Benefits – How Do You Do It – Call for Action Fine – Tuning Examples Other Tips Q&A

National Society of Black Engineers 3 Elevator Speech - Definition An Elevator Speech… …a clear, brief message or “commercial” about you …communicates who you are, what you’re looking for and how you can benefit a company or organization …is typically 30 seconds, the time it takes you to ride from the top to the bottom of a building in an elevator …is something you can use at a career fair to introduce yourself to potential employers …should be memorized and practiced …should come across natural and comfortable …can be customized

National Society of Black Engineers 4 Elevator Speech - Guidelines Contain Yourself! An Elevator speech should be… absolutely not longer than 25 to 30 seconds in words - approximately 80 to 90 words in sentences - 8 to 10 sentences

National Society of Black Engineers 5 Elevator Speech – Sample Outline Who are you??? About You Make eye contact, look pleasant, and open with a statement or question that grabs attention: a hook that prompts your listener to ask questions Tell who you are: describe you, your major/company and what you’re looking for Tell what you do or aspire to do and show enthusiasm What do you bring to the table??? What You Offer Tell what problems you’ve solved or what contributions you’ve made Offer a vivid example Tell why you are interested in your listener Why should I be interested??? What Are the Benefits Tell what differentiates you (i.e., what special service, product or solution you can offer him/her What are the advantages of working with you? How do you differ from competitors or other candidates?

National Society of Black Engineers 6 Elevator Speech – Sample Outline Why you??? How Do You Do It Provide a concrete example or tell a short story on your uniqueness and provide illustrations on how you work. Objective??? Call for Action What is the most wanted response after your elevator speech? Do you want a business card, referral or appointment, etc.? What should the listener do as a result of hearing this?

National Society of Black Engineers 7 Checklist for Fine-Tuning STEP 1: First write down all what comes up in your mind. STEP 2: Then cut the jargon and details. Make strong short and powerful sentences. Eliminate unnecessary words. STEP 3: Connect the phrases to each other. Your elevator address has to flow natural and smoothly. Don't rush. STEP 4: Memorize key points and practice. STEP 5: Have you really answered the key question of your listener: What's In It For Me? STEP 6: Create different versions for different business situations of your elevator speech. Note them.

National Society of Black Engineers 8 Examples Curious about your fit for a company… Scouting for Information Hi, my name is Sally Notsure, and I am a senior Environmental Sciences major. I’m looking for a position that will allow me to use my research and analysis skills. Over the past few years, I’ve been strengthening these skills through my work with a local watershed council on conservation strategies to support water quality and habitats. Eventually, I’d like develop education programs on water conservation awareness. I read that your organization is involved in water quality projects. Can you tell me how someone with my experience may fit into your organization? Curious about what it is you do…I think I fit.. Scouting for “Fit” Nice to meet you, I’m Alex Yourcompanyseemscool. I’m currently a senior and am studying Computer and Information Science. I hope to become a computer programmer when I graduate. I’ve had a couple of internships where I worked on several program applications with a project team. I enjoy developing computer applications for simple business solutions. The position you have listed in UO-JobLink seems like it would be a perfect fit for someone with my skills. I’d like to hear more about the type of project teams in your organization.

National Society of Black Engineers 9 Examples I know I want to work at your Company…and here’s why you need me… Selling Yourself Hi, my name is Brad Themanforthejob. I am currently a sophomore student attending Auburn University. I am majoring in Mechanical Engineering, specifically in the area of robotics. This summer I did an internship with the General Electrics and I hope to work in my college’s machine shop when I return to school this fall. Ever since I can remember I have always had an interest in robots and now things work. I feel certain that this is something I want to do in my future career. Next summer I’m hoping to get another internship learning more about robotic applications in the health industry. I had a blast this year preparing a presentation as a team with a group of other students for my robotic for orthotics class. What type of opportunities do you currently have available.

National Society of Black Engineers 10 Examples – Helpful Links More examples and resources can be found via the links below: seconds-interview pitch-to-land-a-job/

National Society of Black Engineers 11 Summary For you to customize… Seeking A Job Who am I? (introduce yourself) What business am I in? -- What field or industry am I in? What group of people do I service? (be specific -- do you have a niche?) What is my USP (Unique Selling Proposition)? What makes me different from the competition? What benefits can employers derive from skills, based on my proven accomplishments?

National Society of Black Engineers 12 Other Tips Pain -- Paint a graphic picture of the "pain" or problems that the employer is experiencing. Credibility -- Your qualifications for solving the problem. Solution -- Specifically hint at how you can provide a solution (but don't give away the farm before you have the job). Gain -- Explain the benefits the employer will experience. Impact -- illustrate the difference those benefits will make in the organization. Emotion -- Describe how the benefits will make the employer feel. Prove -- Provide evidence that support your claims through examples or stories. Money -- Job-seekers should probably skip this step. Risk -- Remove any remaining doubts they may have by removing the risk. Close -- Reiterate the key points and ask for an interview or other appropriate next step.

NATIONAL SOCIETY OF BLACK ENGINEERS Q&A