Do you know how to sell yourself? Get your interviewer interested in what you have to say within the first few minutes of meeting you with a fine-tuned elevator pitch describing exactly what it is you bring to the table.

1. CREATING AN ELEVATOR PITCH FOR HEALTHCARE INTERVIEWS
To assure that you're successful in winning a job, it is necessary to master
survival skills. To this end, many career experts recommend that you take
inventory of your transferable skills and develop an "elevator pitch". An
elevator pitch is nothing more than a quick overview of your skill sets that
can be shared with another person on an elevator, usually in 30 seconds or
less.
Short and sweet: pitch should be 30-60 seconds
Discuss who you are, what you do, what you can offer, why you should
be hired, how you can be contacted
Basic: use everyday language that anyone can understand
This means not using industry specific jargon. Instead, generalize
words into something that demonstrates a transferable ability
Visual: allows the listener to mentally picture you in your work
related capacity
Are you a team player? Use language that allows the listener to
visualize you in your job related capacity
Action oriented: discuss things that you do, such as selling,
producing, etc
Use verbs that describes your transferable skills. Words such as
"produced", "sold, "developed", and/or "created"
Include a hook:
Tell them just enough information to "hook" them into wanting to
know more. An example of this might be a sentence or two on how
you can create results. A good "hook" is to offer your business card
In today's challenging economy, skills should be viewed as
commodity.
Companies buy results and are less impressed when a candidate ticks
off a laundry list of skills. Instead, discuss the many ways that your
transferable skills from your past and present jobs have been assets to
your employers. Finally, be sure to speak in a results oriented manner
and make sure you have an elevator pitch ready to go - you never
know when you will need to sell yourself.

2. Here is an example of an elevator pitch:
Hi, my name is Stephen and I am a software sales specialist with over 15
years of results oriented experience. I am accustomed to working in
dynamic, goal oriented team environments. My strengths include the ability
to generate million dollar sales, relationship building and strong customer
service. I can bring these abilities to your organization. May I give you my
card?
Tips & Warnings
 Write down your elevator pitch on paper
 Use the following template from Allen School to help you compose
your pitch.
 Practice saying it several times until you have it committed to memory

3. ELEVATOR PITCH TEMPLATE
Who you are:
My name is ____________________. I am a (n) ____________________
(Tip - This can be your actual job title or a descriptive term for your
occupation. Examples include biologist, research scientist, microbiologist,
etc.)
Specializing in: ____________________________________________
(Tip - This is a short phrase that makes your title or occupation more
specific)
What you do:
(Tip - Write a single sentence that describes what you do. For example, I
work with ... and discover mechanisms that.... Try to be specific so that
people can really picture what you mean)
________________________________________
________________________________________
________________________________________
Why you're the best, unique, and talented; or what you do especially
well (Skills):
(Tip - Write a sentence that expresses your best strength(s). For example,
my cutting-edge techniques and collaboration with other researchers allows
me to... Provide a concrete example of something that sets you apart from
others in your field)
________________________________________
________________________________________
________________________________________
What contributions (values added) are you looking to make:
(Tip - Tell what you are looking for, in terms of what problems you will solve
for the employer or for the world. For example, I'm looking to continue
research to discover new ..., make break-through in ..., provide results that
can lead to cures for...)
________________________________________
________________________________________
________________________________________

4. WHEN AN ELEVATOR PITCH IS APPROPRIATE
When is an elevator pitch appropriate?
I. In an informal social setting: A way to introduce yourself or to start
a conversation, or to
II. At a networking events
III. During the job interview (on the telephone or in person):
“So, John, tell me a little bit about yourself.”
- If you have done your homework, you will know what kinds of
things to highlight. If you haven’t done your homework, you can
still try a basic personal statement, or you can attempt to ask them
about their particular needs and interests before you launch your
pitch, and try to address their needs and interests.
IV. In your letter of introduction or cover letter:
- It can provide an excellent basis for your second paragraph
Helpful Hints:
Develop your personal statement/ “pitch” quickly by writing it out first, and
then talking it out. Make adjustments until it sounds and feels right for you.
You may develop several different pitches in order to address specific
situations and specific targets.
Practice out loud in front of a mirror, in the shower, or in the car. Practice
with friends and colleagues.
A positive personal statement (“pitch”) will enhance your
professional presence and stature, boost your self-confidence, and
reduce your anxiety. It helps you establish your identity as a
professional scientist, and it opens doors for connection and
collaboration.
Take the initiative. Make eye contact. Smile. You belong here. You
have much to contribute.
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