As a defense professional, having an effective elevator pitch can help you expand your network, connect with different audiences, and even secure new job opportunities. In the simplest sense, an elevator pitch is a rapid-fire introduction, allowing you to showcase the best of what you have to offer in no more than the time it takes to complete a typical elevator ride. That way, you make a powerful first impression with about 30 seconds of conversation.
Developing an effective elevator pitch and using it wisely aren’t as challenging as they seem. If you want to ensure you’re making the most of your elevator pitch as a defense professional, here’s what you need to know.
Elevator Pitches Beyond Elevators
While using your elevator pitch during an elevator ride is a classic option, you can deploy the technique in far more situations. It’s an excellent way to introduce yourself to recruiters during job fairs. Your elevator pitch is designed to showcase why you’re an amazing candidate incredibly quickly, but it’s also concise enough to ensure you’re not going overboard during the initial introduction.
Another excellent moment for an elevator pitch is during a job interview. In many cases, it’ll suitably answer the classic question, “Can you tell me a little about yourself?” After all, it’s designed to summarize your most intriguing skills and experience level, and it’s brief enough to work as a starting point for the rest of the meeting.
Networking Mastery
Deploying your elevator pitch during networking events is an excellent tactic for forging new connections. It allows you to provide an overview of your background quickly while mingling. Plus, when properly crafted, it can invite further conversation, allowing you to build stronger relationships in less time.
The benefit of using an elevator pitch is that you don’t end up monopolizing the discussion. In many cases, other defense professionals will respond with theirs, allowing you to learn more about them quickly and efficiently. Then, you can decide whether it’s worth diving deeper, allowing you to build your network strategically.
Tailoring Your Pitch
In many cases, you want to have several elevator pitches prepared and ready to use. Primarily, that’s because tailoring the content to the situation is your best move. You can cover highly unique selling points that are also relevant to the listener.
If you know who you’re going to meet, then it’s wise to do a little research to tailor your elevator pitch effectively. For example, if you’re preparing for a job interview or a networking event hosted by a specific company, spend time learning about the organization and hiring manager. For job-related versions, digging into the job description of the role you’d like to land also works in your favor. That ensures you focus your elevator pitch on the right points.
Perfecting Your Delivery
Usually, an elevator pitch should only take about 30 seconds to cover, so you should limit the content to no more than five sentences. By using that approach, you’re forced to focus on the essentials, and that makes your pitch more impactful.
When you recite your elevator pitch, keep the tone upbeat. Also, try to smile during the delivery and make eye contact with the other person. By doing so, you’ll elevate your delivery, ensuring you make a positive impression.
If you’re ready to find a new defense sector job, the Staffing Resource Group can help. Apply Today and SuRGe your career forward.
