How can you boost your career search?
For many of us, the job hunt process happens in the following order:
- Update resume.
- Look for jobs.
- Apply to jobs.
- Cross your fingers and wait.
Hmm... that doesn't seem like the right approach, now does it?
There is one key step that many people forget, and we are here to let you in on that secret to success: developing a strong Professional Pitch.
For those of you that cringe at the word "pitch," don't stress. This isn't an exercise in the art of sales or anything designed to "force you out of your comfort zone."
Instead, the Professional Pitch is meant to help you think about your unique mix of skills, experience, drive, and personality (yay, you!) - and package it all up in a creative and succinct way that open doors.
Owning your pitch is the quickest way to focus your career search AND take on the process with confidence. Trust us.
Ready to start crafting your Professional Pitch? Good! Keep scrolling for some tips.
What elements make up a standout Professional Pitch?
- Relevancy: It is applicable and/or specific to the role at hand.
- Information: It provides a summary of qualifications & skills.
- Eye-Catching: It shows genuine enthusiasm.
What SHOULD you include in your Professional Pitch?
Include Specifics.
- Correlate background and experience to the role you are applying for.
- Highlight your major successes.
- Mention skills that are specific to the role you are applying for (systems, programs, software, etc.)
Make It Mission-Related.
- What connects you personally to the role?
- Are you in a full-time role and applying to part-time? Share why!
- Returning to the workforce? Let's hear a little about it.
What SHOULDN'T you include in your Professional Pitch?
A Few Things To Skip...
- Your likeness to a specific type of unicorn or other mythical creature.
- Do not say, "I don't have experience with this type of work BUT..."
- General personality traits
- "Why not me?!"
- "See resume."
Any other tips I should know?
Keep It Brief.
- Your Pitch should be a couple of sentences long - about 30 seconds in length if you were saying it out loud.
Focus On The Essentials.
- Include who you are, what you can offer, and your goals.
Keep It Positive!
- Focus on what you want to do, not what you don't want to do.
Can you share some stand-out examples?
Of course! Scroll on for some inspo.
- "I've done this exact job while at my past company last year and I did it well. I stepped in with minimal ramp-up while a full-time employee was on maternity leave. I'd do the same for your team. I'm best at handling competing priorities, offering great customer service, and working as part of a cross-functional team. I'll do what it takes to get the job done on time, on budget, and all with a smile. I'm team-oriented and I'm happiest working in an open, collaborative environment. I also have a great sense of humor!"
Where should I use my Professional Pitch?
- You should be able to deliver your pitch written and verbally. Wherever a pitch is needed!
- Written: in the "Why Me?" prompt when applying for jobs through The Mom Project, or as a quick intro when being introduced via email to a warm connection to apply for an open role. Think of this perfected professional pitch as your mini cover letter.
- Verbal: Ever met someone at an event and freeze up or offer some general/vague explanation about who you are/what you do/what you want in your next move? No more! Have a few concise sentences in your pocket that adequately and succinctly deliver "you" and what you are hoping to achieve. That "elevator" style pitch will come in handy, so be prepared!
And one last tip; show off a bit of your sparkling personality. It's important to stand out and bring your full self to the table!
Ready, set, pitch perfect.