10/20/2015 Your 30 Second Introduction When Networking | Monster.ca

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Your 30 Second Introduction When Networking

Quick: you have 30 seconds tointroduce yourself!

What can you say in that briefstretch to be memorable? Keep inmind you’re trying to impress a newnetworking contact. Or better moreinfluence a possible interviewer.

Half a minute doesn’t give youmuch time, does it?  So whennetworking, you need to make themost of your “networking speech” wherever you deliver it.

 

The Essence of An Elevator Pitch

How to craft the perfect elevator pitch (http://www.monster.com/career-start/a/craft-perfect-elevator-pitch?re=swoop). Sheryl Mitchell, co-founder of professionalrecruitment and hiring firm All About People, says: "Your 30 second introduction ismeant to capture someone’s interest. For job seekers there are two commonssituations. One is introducing yourself to new people. The other is selling yourself tointerviewers."

Whether introducing or selling, make your message concise and compelling. Give justenough background to prompt the listener to ask questions.

 

For Job Hunters When Networking and Interviewing

Job seekers are constantly introducing themselves. It’s an essential part of thebusiness networking and interview process. Get this task right and you will definitelystand above the rest.

Resumes

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Regardless if you’re meeting someone new or answering the interview question “tell meabout yourself (http://career-advice.monster.ca/job-interview/interview-questions/tell-me-about-yourself-canada/article.aspx),” here’s what to cover in your 30 secondintroduction:

 

 

Example:

“Hi, my name is Carole Livamore and I was most recently a production assistant atXanif Manufacturing. Before that I worked in quality assurance with Baker Craftwork. Ihelp manufacturers reduce waste and save costs with better efficiencies. I wasdownsized from Xanif a few months ago when it released over 100 people. Now I amlooking for a production supervisor role with company that wants to raise its qualitystandards.”

 

Start With a Script

The listener should walk away knowing exactly who you are and what you can do. Ithelps to begin with a standardized script, like the example above.

Play with it until you find a few sentences that feel comfortable and natural for you todeliver. Then consider adding an example that shows the results of your work.

Unless you know who you’re talking to, avoid using complex language or industryjargon.  You want to be able to connect with a wide variety of people and have themunderstand what you’re talking about.

 

Customize for the audience

Use the right intro for the right situation. At job interviews, for instance, you shouldresearch the employer beforehand. (http://career-advice.monster.ca/job-interview/interview-preparation/research-before-interview-ca/article.aspx) That way youcan tailor your responses more precisely.

Who you are – your title or professional identifier

Where you’ve been ‒ a very concise career history

What you’re best at ‒ key competencies you can demonstrate viaaccomplishments.

Why you’re currently in the market ‒ your reason for leaving/looking

What you’re looking for and why ‒ your search goals and reasons for that path

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When asked to tell them about yourself, tie in your previous experience directly to theposition you’re being interviewed for and highlight a few relevant skills or anaccomplishment that shows why you’re the ideal candidate.

 

Rehearse (And Repeat)

Once you’ve drafted a script, read it aloud. To yourself at first, just to experience thewords coming from your lips. Try to recite it out aloud in front of a mirror to perfect yourbody language as well.

Now, go get some feedback from people you trust. Adjust the phrasing, length andtempo till it sounds like you. Introducing yourself should be an authentic act that invitesan authentic response. It’s the same if you’re networking on campus (http://career-advice.monster.ca/Job-Hunt-Strategy/professional-networking/networking-while-on-campus-ca/article.aspx) or in large corporations.

 

Stop Talking

After you’ve delivered your introduction in real life, what then? Look the other person inthe eye and keep quiet.

You’ve already told them enough to pique their curiosity. It’s their turn to engage. They’lllikely ask a question or tell you something about themselves. The point is that you’vestarted a conversation. Use these additional networking tips (http://career-advice.monster.ca/Job-Hunt-Strategy/professional-networking/networking-at-events-ca/article.aspx) to keep your discussion going.

 

The Art of the Brag

We may be called on to talk about our most important product – ourselves – at amoment's notice try not to overdo it or embellish your accomplishments; once again, beyourself and let the conversation flow as natural as possible.

You'll probably hate doing it the first time, the second as well. After a while it’ll becomeso natural, that your 30 second introduction will flow and captivate. That’s how to bestart off memorably at networking events and interviews. Good Luck!

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