First impressions are everything during an interview. The personal introduction, commonly known by its street name as the “elevator pitch”, is the first building block in any successful job interview.
The elevator pitch serves one purpose: a brief personal introduction perfectly designed to transition into the interview. Choreographed and rehearsed properly, the elevator pitch should only require 15-30 seconds at the beginning of the interview.
When a future job is on the line, a strong start to an interview will help you stand out from the crowd. Studies have concluded that it takes between 7 seconds and 15 minutes to form a first impression.
The evidence is clear, do not risk a bad personal introduction. Here are the key steps to crafting the perfect elevator pitch.
Building Blocks of the Elevator Pitch
Name
Always start with your name. Even if you have already introduced yourself and shared your name, this is the most important part of the introduction. Starting with your name anchors your pitch. Use the version of your name you plan to be called if the company hires you. (Example- if your birth certificate shows your name is James, but everyone calls you Jim, use the latter)
Where you are from
Include where you are from in the introduction. Hometown or current location (sometimes both) may make a connection with the interviewer in some way. Where you grew up to where you are now may covey a powerful story about who you are. Keep it simple- no one wants to know everywhere you called home.
Alma Mater
Name drop the secondary the schools you graduated from and the degree earned. This part of the introduction gives you credibility (proof someone thinks you are smart) and opens the door to another personal connection with an interviewer. No matter the school, be proud of your alma mater.
Title/Rank/One sentence on your current position (if you have one)
If you currently have a job, make sure to bring it up! This is a good way to introduce what you currently do day-to-day to the interviewers. It is tempting to make this section too long. Keep it short and simple. Let the interviewer ask follow up questions if they would like to know more.
Personal Traits
Include a few positive personal traits in the introduction. Interviewers are still forming their opinions of you and this is a great opportunity to seed additional personal information into their opinion. Pick 2-3 personal traits you exemplify and share.
Convey why you’re at the table & conclude
Conclude your elevator pitch with why you are there. How did you hear about the position? What interests you about the company? State a conclusion and be done talking until an interviewer asks a follow up question or begins the interview.
Write it Down and Practice
The first 15- 30 seconds can make or break the interview. Write out your personal introduction. It will ensure consistent use of key phrases and details you want to convey.
The next phase is to practice the perfect personal introduction you crafted. A future post will outline how to refine and deliver the perfect personal introduction.
If you need help defining what should be in your personal introduction, click here to outline your CORE Experiences.