Elevator Pitches

Ever notice that you can see signs for help wanted almost everywhere? That usually happens until you need a job. Then the signs seem to be gone. You stand there staring at a desert.

Elevator Pitches are one of the most robust tools you can have when looking for a job. There are many people out there other than your direct friends and relatives. Nobody knows where you are, who you are, or whether you are looking for employment. You solve the problem not by asking for a job but instead by asking if the person knows anyone who could use someone with your skills.


The Pitch

Hi, My Name is ___(your Name)___________.

I work in _________((what you Do) _____________, and I was wondering if you knew anyone who is looking to hire someone with those skills.

(Let them respond. They most likely will not know anyone.) then say:

Thank you, here is my card if you happen to run across someone who could use someone with my skill sets.

Most people will not know anyone who needs your skills when you first talk to them. Often they will run across someone in casual conversation within a week or two who could use you. A long shot? Maybe. Yet it does happen.

Author: Mike Balof

A retired Air Force Master Sergeant, Mike used to lay in bed at night and worry about what would happen if his plant closed or found himself without a job. One day his plant closed. Rather than panic and hysteria (OK, maybe a little) Mike found himself carried away on the adventure of his life. Mike started with the best job he ever had working at Home Depot. He spent 8 years working with job seekers at a local workforce center, helping them to find employment. He then started his own company developing courses, writing books and urging others to follow their own paths into the future. Mike holds a Master of Arts in Adult Education and Training and a Bachelor of Business Management, earned through the University of Phoenix and an AAS degree in Electronics Systems Technology from the Community College of the Air Force. Mike is a member of the Delta Mu Delta Business Honor Society.

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