Resource-5
MyStartr Skills Ladder: Self-Pitching
February 06, 2023 .4 minute read
What is it?
“Pitching” is about communicating who you are, what you do well and how an employer will benefit from your experience and talent. It’s a great skill to practice when you’re preparing for an interview — and especially for everyone’s favourite question: “Tell us about yourself.” You want to be able to speak confidently about the value you feel you’d bring to the employer’s organization, focusing on how you can help meet specific needs identified in your pre-interview homework.
What does it mean in the workplace?
Pitching effectively requires preparation and self-awareness. And when you sell yourself well, it shows you’re also going to be good at explaining the value of products and services to customers. If you get an opportunity to work at a retail store, for example, you’ll be constantly matching customers’ needs with the right solutions and then showing them the benefits. It’s a capability that employers especially look for in sales and support positions — but in fact it can be a huge benefit in virtually any role.
How do employers talk about pitching?
“Strong presentation skills”
• “Sales-oriented”
• “Self-aware”
• “Passionate advocate”
How do you develop a strong pitch?
Here are two proven ways to highlight your personal strengths:
Create a positioning statement
This is a simple, clear explanation of what you’re all about that spells out WHO you help or serve, WHAT goal or task you help them achieve, HOW you go about doing that and WHY you do it — the impact or benefit you help create. A positioning statement is especially helpful if you don’t have a lot of formal work experience and are trying to establish your personal brand. Here’s an example:
I HELP youth-focused employment services
who: community/organization/group you serve
TO build stronger engagement with young people
what they’re working to achieve
BY using my strong communication and problem-solving skills
how you help make a difference
THAT help inspire greater participation, collaboration and trust.
Develop a 30-second pitch
Often called an “elevator pitch,” this is a way to quickly introduce yourself and explain what you have to offer when time is really tight. Here’s how you build it:
This kind of question is the ideal to wrap-up your 30-second pitch: find a way to connect with the other person that highlights your common interests and is genuinely helpful.
YOUR LABEL: “I’m a… [student, recent grad, programmer, sales associate, etc.]”
CURRENT JOB: “Right now I’m working… [your employer and job or volunteer title/role].”
FUTURE GOAL: “I see myself… [progressing to more senior positions].”
RELEVANT ASK: “Picking up on what you said about… [artificial intelligence (for example), I recently discovered a great podcast on AI. Can I send you a link?]”
This kind of question is the ideal to wrap-up your 30-second pitch: find a way to connect with the other person that highlights your common interests and is genuinely helpful.
Video Review:
Reflection
Craft your own pitch using one of the models described above.
