How to Make an Effective 30-Second Interview Pitch

Networking events, job fairs, career expos and mini-interviews are all potential alternatives to the traditional job interview and share one characteristic -- the extremely short amount of time an applicant has with the recruiter. First impressions count, and candidates have only a few seconds to create a positive impression in the mind of the hiring manager. Also termed an "elevator pitch," based on the amount of time of an average elevator ride, the 30-second interview pitch is a short, focused statement to market yourself, your key skills and experience. Applicants should prepare a polished interview pitch that can be used in any situation.

Instructions

1. Introduce yourself. Give your name and current job title. If you are not currently working, state the field in which you are seeking work; for example, "Good morning! My name is Jane Smith and I'm a human resources professional." Students without job experience can state their qualifications: "I just completed a master's in business administration at X school."

2. Provide specific details about your current job, particularly if your job title is generic. Your aim is to help the recruiter to understand exactly what you do in one short sentence. For example, "I oversee a department of 24 staff to manage all aspects of human resources, including payroll, workers' compensation and training for over 10,000 employees."

3. Indicate why you are interested in the particular industry or position the recruiter represents. Tell the recruiter why you are passionate about the field. Don't deliver a rehearsed, monotone sentence -- demonstrate your passion with genuine enthusiasm for what you are discussing.

4. List your skills, experience and personal qualities, focusing on what sets you apart from other candidates. If you work in a specialized position currently, or you are seeking a career change, emphasize the transferable skills you possess that would help you to be successful in the position you are applying for; for example, "My previous retail experience helped me to develop a strong customer focus and the ability to deal respectfully and professionally with difficult clients."

5. Finish the pitch by asking about the potential next steps; for example, "I know you are very busy here at the expo and I don't want to take up too much of your time. Can I call you at a more convenient time to continue our conversation? I would love to find out more about the new sales initiative you mentioned."

6. Avoid delivering a monologue. Even 30 seconds can feel like an eternity to the recruiter if you simply talk at him without pause. Your aim should be to deliver the key points of your pitch in the course of regular conversation. Ask questions, provide your own documentation -- such as a resume -- and compare notes about the event, all the while making your pitch. For example, "Here is a copy of my resume. You'll see I've spent the last five years working as a finance analyst, specializing in forensic accounting," or "This is my first time attending this conference -- I'm passionate about marketing through social media so I'm really excited to be here."

Tips & Warnings

• Get to the point. You don't have time for lengthy stories or examples to demonstrate your expertise and need to be more direct: "I have significant expertise in __."

• Practice your pitch but don't over-rehearse, otherwise you run the risk of sounding forced and insincere.

References

• Illinois Institute of Technology; First Impressions -- How to Deliver a Professional 30-Second Elevator Pitch; Emily L. Breckenridge
• Medical College of Wisconsin: Job Search -- Personal Statement/"Elevator Pitch"
• New York University, Wagner: Networking
• Wellesley College; Job Seekers, Too, Need an "Elevator Speech"; Paul Villella