For the “Switch Up Your Pitch” series, I was excited to collaborate with former CSE Career Captain, Stephanie Borr ‘22, MA’23 to come up with strategies for adapting elevator pitches (value statements) according to the situation. This second installation of the series focuses on strategies for adapting elevator pitches for career fairs. Check out part 1 about informational interviews here.

– Natalie Warila, Assistant Director of Career Strategies

The “Switch Up Your Pitch” Series with Stephanie Borr ‘22, MA’23

Something I’ve learned, both in Launching Your Global Career with Marcia Katz and through my own experience, is that my elevator pitch (or value statement) should be unique to the situation I’m in, and is dependent on my mission, who I’m talking to, my current career goals, etc. 

Your elevator pitch should be constantly evolving and growing with you, but it starts with a strong foundation that includes key details about who you are – your past, your present, and your future. If you’re new to building your elevator pitch, you should check out Polish your pitch! 10 Basic rules for value statements for more information on building your basic 3 part framework.

Once you’ve built your initial elevator pitch, and have it memorized and good to go, you should start practicing adapting it according to the situation you are in (informational interview, networking event, formal interview, career fair).

You should also always keep in mind:

• Who your audience is
• Where you are in the conversation (timing)
• The message you are trying to get across and your current career goals

Let’s start with a basic pitch and see how we can adapt it according to situation, audience, and/or timing.

I’m a first year Master of Arts in International Economics and Finance candidate at Brandeis International Business School. I recently declared concentrations in Economic Analysis and Consulting because I want to refine my analytical, quantitative and modeling skills in order to pursue a career in economics. My interest in this career path began last fall when I participated in the annual NABE crisis games, where I was able to apply skills from my economics coursework and solve real world issues in collaboration with my teammates, while also refining my communication and presentation abilities. Looking forward, I hope to gain more experience utilizing my modeling skills in a professional capacity, ideally in a role that manages investment, environmental, and market risk of a financial institution. Right now I’m looking for a summer internship where I can utilize my analytical skills while contributing to the greater mission of the firm.

Pt. 2 | Switching up your pitch for a career fair

1). Repeat your name (and pay attention to timing)

Just like for informational interviews, pay careful attention to where you are in the conversation. When the time comes to “tell them about yourself”, you’d probably already shaken hands and exchanged names. However, it wouldn’t hurt to repeat your name at the beginning of your pitch, as they’re probably meeting lots of people that day. 

2). Keep it short and sweet

Remember, the person you’re speaking with is going to talk to lots of people that day. Do them a favor, and boil your pitch down to exactly what they need to hear from you: your brief relevant experience, skills, and why you’re speaking with them.

3). Think about your audience

If you are speaking directly to a recruiter at a career fair, it is safe to assume that you’re both there for similar reasons: you’re seeking employment and they’re seeking candidates. It makes sense in this scenario to include requests for information about their open positions in your call to action.

If you are speaking to an employee at a company that you are interested in working for, your call to action should change. It is possible that their team may be hiring, but since this person is not a recruiter, you can’t assume that they know extensive details about their company’s hiring process. Instead, express interest in learning about their role, their team, and their journey to and through the company.

Let’s adapt our original pitch to be “career fair ready”

Once again, my name is Stephanie Borr and I’m a first year Master of Arts in International Economics and Finance candidate at Brandeis International Business School. My concentration, and subsequent coursework, has been focused on economic analysis and consulting. Last fall I participated in the annual NABE crisis games, where I utilized modeling, collaboration, and presentation skills to solve real world problems. I’m currently looking for a summer internship, ideally in a role that manages investment, environmental, and market risk of a financial institution. I’m extremely interested in learning more about the hiring process and open internship positions at X Company, as well as what kind of candidates you are looking for.

Or if you’re speaking with an employee, not a recruiter, you could finish with:

I’m extremely interested in learning more about your role, team, and journey to X Company, and if you have any recommendations for candidates applying for opportunities in this industry.

4). Finally…

Before I wrap-up each blog post in the series, I want to leave you with a few important things I learned practicing my pitch, both in Launching Your Global Career with Marcia Katz, and on my own as I adapted my pitch according to the upcoming situation: 

Smile

Be confident and composed

And always ask yourself:

• Am I speaking at an appropriate speed for people to understand me?
• Am I speaking loud enough?
• Am I making eye contact?

Stay tuned for the next two parts of the “Switch Up Your Pitch” series to learn more about adapting your pitch for formal interviews, and networking events. Check out the first installation of the series about informational interviews here.