How to Perfect Your Pitch
Almost everyone who’s applied for a job or internship before has probably thought to themselves at one point, “How am I going to stand out amongst all the other candidates?” As a senior who’s graduating in May, this question is constantly on my mind as I begin to submit my resume to what seems like hundreds of companies. Whether it’s at the career fair or in an interview, knowing how to effectively pitch yourself to a company plays a crucial role in helping you stand out. Here are some key tips on how to pitch yourself so they won’t forget you.
1. Know What You Want
Being able to clearly express what you’re looking to do within a specific company is crucial. Communicate what areas you want to gain experience in if you were to be offered the position, or what specific interests you have within the company itself and how your experience and interests can benefit the company.
2. Keep It Short And Sweet
When employers ask you to tell them about yourself, it can be easy to get flustered and ramble on about yourself. However, they don’t want to hear a 15 minute life story, so make sure you have about three to five key points that really sum up you and your work experience. Try to touch on your academic and professional accomplishments, as well as some of the soft skills that you possess.
3. Have A Strong Conclusion
The power of a good conclusion to your pitch is something many people tend to overlook. A lot of times, we tend to wrap up our pitch by saying something along the lines of, “And that’s about it.” This can often come across as if you’re unsure what to say next or how to end your pitch, so you quickly came up with a basic filler. Try to remember that the last thing you say is going to be the last thing they remember, so really make it stand out. You’re trying to sell yourself to your interviewer, so go for something such as, “Which is why I believe I would be successful within this specific role.”
4. Practice, Practice, Practice
Practicing your pitch can help ensure that you hit all the prominent points you want to make while still sounding natural. Grab a friend or parent and rehearse your pitch to them; this can often help you realize any nervous habits you might have when speaking in front of an actual person instead of just yourself in the mirror. Practicing can also help you sound more confident and professional within your delivery since, afterall, delivery is key.
5. And Finally, Be Confident
It’s advice we hear all the time, but it truly is one of the most important tips. If you aren’t confident in yourself and how you perform, then how can employers be confident in your abilities? Always remember that you were given an interview for a reason, and even if you don’t get the position, you’ll still be gaining interview experience, so you might as well go all out. And even if you don’t fully feel confident in the moment, just fake it ‘till you make it.
Written By: Savannah Franklin
2/25/2020