West Career Week 2014

Contact Information:

Kathryn Scahill, Associate Director of Career Coaching Phone 602.557.9192

kathryn.scahill@apollo.edu

Laura Lee, Career/Alumni Services Managerp 602.429.1110 | f 623.444.1366 | toll free 866.948.4636

e laura.lee@west.edu | west.edu

Elevator PitchYou will learn how to:– Draft your elevator pitch

– Create several versions for different

occasions

– Introduce yourself to employers

– Revise your pitch "on the fly“

– Follow-up on conversations

Why an Elevator Pitch?

• Marketing Tool

• High-level Introduction of Your Resume (do not cite your resume)

• Conversation starter

• Sums up Who, What, Why, and Goals

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When to use an Elevator Pitch• Common Job Interview Question(s)

– “Tell me about yourself?”

– “Why should I hire you?”

• As your Mini Commercial

– Networking

– Job Fairs

– Conversation Starter

– Business

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Based on the idea that you may meet someone

of interest in an elevator….

– Quick introduction

– Focus on education and profession

– Tie your background with your audience

– Encourage a future meeting

– Provide insight into company of interest

How to DevelopMain points

– Name

– Education

• Degree Program

• Progress towards degree

– Career Interests

– Future plans

Planning Your Elevator PitchThink About:1. What are your accomplishments?2. What is the focus of your job search/network?3. Who is your target audience?4. How can you help (What’s in it for the

employer)?5. What makes you different from your

competitors?6. What are the benefits of your work that you

offer?

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Finer Points

– Small talk as appropriate

• Safe topics! Sports, weather, etc.

• Keep it conversational!

– Education

• Special projects

• Clubs/organizations

• GPA

• Favorite academic courses

Finer Points Continued

Career Background and Goals– Specific interest in the company or industry

– Reference any research you have done,

current topics (keep it positive)

– Ask appropriate questions

– Make it a conversation, not a presentation

Follow-up

– Consider next steps

– Ask for a business card

– Suggest another meeting

– If a career fair or employer event, ask for any necessary details on how to apply or follow up

Applications

• Career Fairs

• Networking events

• Conferences

Other applications

• Cover letters

• Interviewing

• Tell me about yourself

• LinkedIn Profile

• Email introductions for networking or job

inquiries

Practice makes Perfect

Hi, My name is Jill Smith.

I am working on my MBA, and am planning on transitioning

into the finance field. (revise target fields as needed)

My background is in retail management, but I am ready to

leverage my education and experience towards an Analyst

position. (you may have several target positions)

I am very interested in your firm, and saw that you had

several openings.

Can you tell me more about your ideal candidate?

More Practice - ExperiencedI am a Forensic Accountant with the State of Arizona. In my current role, I uncover, analyze and interpret financial information, and testify as an expert witness in administrative, civil, and criminal cases, in both State and Federal courts.

I review applications to determine compliance with statutory requirements and rules, evaluate financial projections for reasonableness, appropriateness, and accuracy. I also respond to public inquiries and complaints concerning the Arizona Securities Act, the Arizona Investment Management Act, and Rules and Regulations.

I completed my Masters of Science in Accounting, and CPA, and a Certified Forensic Accountant. I am looking to leverage my background and experience towards a position in consulting, or with the Federal Government.

More Practice – Current Student

Hello! I am Joe Torres.

I am a current West student, working towards my

Bachelor’s in Health Care Administration.

I was excited to see that you would be at this fair, as I am

really interested in starting my career at an organization

such as yours. (more general than targeted)

I have excellent customer service skills, and think I’d be a

great fit for your team. (focus on your skills, as well as what

the employer is seeking)

Write your Own• Start with your name

• Degree program and status

• Career plan

• Specific interests

• Refine and practice!

Take it to Market!• Practice your pitch at home until it is fluid

• Try it on a friend or classmate for feedback

• Develop different versions for other occasions

• Try it out at your next networking/ professional event, community gathering, or party

• Ask others to introduce themselves, so you can hear other pitches in action

Resources• myWest.edu

• Forbes

• 3 Steps to a Great Elevator Pitch

• Entrepreneur - 6 Tips

Questions?

Laura Lee, Career/Alumni Services Managerp 602.429.1110 | f 623.444.1366 | toll free 866.948.4636

e laura.lee@west.edu | west.edu

Kathryn Scahill, Associate Director of Career Coaching p 602.557.9192

e kathryn.scahill@apollo.edu