How to Write and Present a Job Search Script

One of the critical exercises you will do as a job hunter is to encapsulate the highlights of your professional background and experience, commit this five to seven minute mini-speech to memory, practice it as if you were presenting a speech in a play, and recite it for people who are in a position to hire you or to refer you to others who can hire you for a job. One of the reasons it gives you an edge is the fact that many job hunters don’t use this technique and could lose out on the chance to get themselves in front of hiring professionals at an opportune time.

Instructions

1. Start with your vital stats, like your educational background. For example, “I went to Northeastern and earned my B.A. in Communications cum laude. From there I started my marketing career doing research for the Gallup Poll Group in Boston.” No need to brag, just state the facts in an organized sequential way. Think of it as your professional life story.

2. 

   Emphasize your key skills and abilities. “I was hired as a speech writer on a part time basis and then given a promotion to a full time management role.” Talk about your computer background, your awards, patents, and notable achievements, like major sales goals or increased productivity. “After our sales increased by double digits for three years in a row, they promoted me to department head.” Or “After managing three teams of people in the merger, I was rewarded with a ten percent pay raise and the title of manager.”

3. Present the information in a matter-of-fact way and allow him to ask questions as you go. Try to ensure that you know your spiel backwards and sideways so you can pick back up where ever you left off, after answering questions or responding to his comments and reactions.

4. 

   Be animated, motivated and keep your audience interested with a fun comment or two. “I would have learned to play the accordion, but there just never seemed to be enough time in the day!” or something similarly off beat. You want them to get to know the professional you as quickly possible, leaving a lasting great impression.

5. Be aware that beyond a five- to seven-minute time frame, you will bore them and start to sound like a braggart. That is way it is best to intersperse their questions into the conversation as you go so they feel like participants and not a passive audience.

Tips & Warnings

• Be upbeat, cheerful and animated.

• Do invite questions and comments.

• Don't be boring or drone on longer than a few minutes.

• Don't undersell your skills and abilities. You are a valuable candidate.