Lesson 10: Elevator Speech

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Activity: Elevator Speech

Key Considerations

As you search for a job, it will be important to simultaneously work on preparing for a job interview. There are many types of interviews and the type you participate in will most likely depend on the kind of job you are interviewing for. If you are interviewing for an entry-level job at a restaurant, grocery store, or a small business, the employer will most likely conduct a traditional or personal interview. One person will ask you a series of questions to determine if you are the best candidate for the job. As you move beyond entry-level positions, you may be interviewed by a committee which can include five or six employees who work at the business. Delivering an elevator speech or 30-second commercial about yourself that tells who you are, what you are looking for, and how you could benefit a place of employment will be a tool you can use during any type of interview.

Once developed, your elevator speech will have many purposes. For instance, when you place a cold call and are directed to leave a message, don’t be afraid to leave your elevator speech as a voice message. Your elevator speech will also work for you at job fairs and even when you stumble upon a job opportunity while out pounding the pavement. If you use social media such as LinkedIn to network with others, your elevator speech would make a good addition to your profile. Be sure to keep your elevator speech updated as you will want to highlight your current achievements and desires in the workforce.

After any interview or cold call, be sure to thank the employer for speaking with you.

Directions

Develop an elevator speech that you can deliver in 30-seconds (approximately 75 words) or less. Create your elevator speech like you are a business person selling a product and the product is yourself. Clearly describe how you will be able to perform the job well despite having a disability.

Tips for Writing Your Elevator Speech

• Include answers to the following three questions in your elevator speech.
  • Who are you? If you are still in school, highlight your interests by sharing what clubs you are in, your favorite subjects, awards, and recognition you have received as well as your certifications. Use “I” statements to showcase yourself such as:
    I am proficient in…
    I am savvy at…
    I am an accomplished…
    I have expertise in…
    I am talented at…
  • What are you looking for?
  • How could you benefit a place of employment?
• End your elevator speech with an action statement such as “I am hoping to interview for a position at your business” or “Here is my contact information so you can let me know when an opening is available.”
• Record your speech. Listen to it and rate yourself by answering the questions in the feedback chart.
• Practice your speech with others in your personal network to get feedback for improvement.

Elevator Speech Feedback

Skill:	Yes or No?	Things to do to improve my speech:
Did I sound confident?
Did my speech sound effortless and natural?
Did I ramble?
Did I sound enthusiastic?
Did I maintain eye contact?
Did I talk about how I could perform better than any other candidate?
Did I sound robotic?
Did I speak too fast?
Was my elevator speech too short?
Was my elevator speech too long?
Did I end my speech with an action statement?