1 Professional Development Seminar Series September 21, 2005 MBA Career Services Center “Creating Your Pitch”

2 Agenda Defining Venues M.I.A. Mock Interviews Preparation Presentation Structure Branding Cover & Thank You Letters Role Plays: the good, the bad, the indifferent Individual Preparation Time Mock Career Fair – what to expect

3 Definition A verbal or written sale or “spiel” matching your specific qualifications and interests to the specific job, company and industry that will differentiate you. The goal is to obtain an interview and stand out among others.

4 Venues Verbal: Social settings* Career fairs* Corporate Presentations* Interviews Written: Cover letters Thank You Letters *focus of this PDS

5 What Your Mock Interview Didn’t Include… Please tell me about yourself. Your resume doesn’t tell me everything about you, so tell me more… What would your supervisor or co-workers say about you? When (what situation) did your co-workers or department turn to you for help with a problem? What are your future short and long term professional career goals? Tell me what you know about our company and why you want to work for us; why this position? How did you decide to go into (applicable function)? What is the one thing I will remember you by or what differentiates you from other candidates? Answering these questions is good prep. for creating your pitch.

6 Preparation Research, research, research: industry, company organization/department & function/position (Top 5 companies within functional area) Identify key skills and a matching story based on above. Practice, practice, practice

7 Presentation Structure 1.) Naming Game (conversational waiting, dialog, ebb & flow) 2.) Student Status (depending on context) 3.) Position Seeking…show interests, passion 4.) Sales Pitch = MATCHING 5.) Closing the Deal: Asking for interview 6.) Have 1-2 questions for them When to give them your resume; business cards How to not sound trite/canned Should you talk to them if you already have an interview? Example of miss-matched resume but sold on interpersonal pitch. Do’s & Don’ts What to do when they say- “we don't hire internationals,” or “we aren’t hiring for internships now”

8 Branding Yourself How words you use show values (see list) What & How

9 Cover & Thank You Letters Purpose: Get them to read your resume -”covers” a resume; a.k.a. “Covering Letter” Preparation: same Structure: same, see tutorial vs. Attachment Standard Templates – how it works in eR; why we don’t give samples Examples of opening paragraphs THANK YOU: Must Do More than just thanking, but reinforcing interests and qualifications