Sell Yourself In 30 Seconds
A proven fact, your brain decides whether you like someone or not within the first few seconds of interaction. That’s a short time to make a good first impression. If you are still stumbling over your word in this time you have already been put you in the not so interested category. Do remember that you only get one chance at creating a good impression.
You get this question at start of interviews, when you first meet a person, and possibly in the elevator with a new acquaintance. You have 30 seconds to make a powerful impression on the person asking; telling them who you are, what you’ve done, build rapport, and give them a reason to gravitate towards you. Selling yourself like a professional instead of panicking, mumbling for a few seconds you have to follow a few basic principals while always having a smile on your face.
The 30 sec speech, needs to be tailored for different situations so that you are seen as unique and have a better chance than the rest.
Most people looking for work have an issue with self confidence when they go for an interview. The two things that hold people back in life are fear and self-doubt, both cripple people from achieving their full potential, if you think that you can’t then you are right. To understand your full worth, you need to overcome both and move forward. Take stock of what you have done, document any achievements, know where you are and what you can offer the company that you are wanting to work at. Most people have done and achieved more than they realise in the pinch, even though you may not think so, achievements from a diverse work tells people what you are capable of. Don’t be scared to voice your weaknesses this shows that you have humility and remember no one is perfect.
Structure your achievements in a chronological order, your college/university, achievements and your current position and where you want to end up. Your goals and plans show people lot about who you are and how you would interact with the staff.
When people ask you what you do they are interested in you, but if your speech drags out much longer than 30 seconds the interest could dwindle, so keep your speech as short as possible, and learn it well, you have time before an interview, its in the elevator that you need to know it by heart, and your worth to avoid freezing when you need it.
Here are some examples of 30-second elevator speeches for different professions:
- Real Estate Agent: “As a top-producing real estate agent, I help clients find their dream homes by combining my expertise in the local market with a personalized approach. My goal is to make the home-buying process stress-free and enjoyable.”
- Financial Advisor: “As a financial advisor, I help individuals and businesses achieve their financial goals by providing personalized investment strategies and financial planning. My expertise in tax planning and retirement planning has helped my clients achieve financial freedom.”
- Life Coach: “As a life coach, I empower individuals to reach their full potential by identifying and overcoming obstacles. My coaching style is collaborative and supportive, helping my clients develop a growth mindset and achieve their goals.”
As an IT professional, your 30-second elevator speech should highlight your technical expertise, achievements, and value proposition. Here’s some example’s:
Example 1:
“Hi, I’m [Your First Name], a seasoned IT professional with [Number of Years] years of experience in [Specific Area of Expertise]. I’ve successfully implemented [Project/Initiative] for [Company], resulting in [Desirable Outcome]. My expertise lies in [Technical Skills], and I’m passionate about leveraging technology to drive business growth and improve operational efficiency. I’m excited to bring my skills and experience to a new challenge and contribute to a dynamic team.”
Key Takeaways:
Start with a strong introduction, including your name and a brief summary of your experience.
Highlight a specific achievement or project that showcases your skills and impact.
Emphasize your technical expertise and the value you can bring to a new organization.
End with a positive note, expressing your enthusiasm for the opportunity to contribute to a new team.
Example 2:
“Hi, I’m [Your First Name], a certified [Certification] with a background in [Technical Skills]. I’ve worked with [Technology/Tools] and have a proven track record of [Desirable Outcome]. My passion is [Industry/Field], and I’m excited to bring my expertise to a team that shares my enthusiasm for [Specific Area of Interest]. I’m confident that my skills and experience make me a strong fit for [Their Company], and I’m looking forward to discussing how I can contribute to the team.”
Key Takeaways:
Start with a strong introduction, including your certification and technical skills.
Highlight your experience with specific technologies or tools.
Emphasize your passion for the industry or field and your enthusiasm for the opportunity.
End with a confident statement, expressing your fit for the company and your eagerness to contribute.
Remember to practice your elevator speech to ensure it feels natural and confident. Focus on highlighting your unique strengths and achievements, and be prepared to tailor your speech to different audiences and situations.