Preparing Your Elevator Speech

Approaching a Company Representative

It can be nerve-wracking to introduce yourself to someone new, especially recruiters. There are so many variables to consider when trying to make a good impression. Do you shake hands? Do you address their company and its work before discussing your own goals? And most importantly, how do you market yourself as a potential employee?

Then once you finally start talking with them, you’ve got thoughts going through your head like “Was that supposed to be a joke? Should I laugh? Am I making too much eye contact?”

Become confident talking with employers by preparing an “elevator speech."
What is this “elevator speech” I’ve mentioned?

It is a short introduction of yourself, what you are looking for, and how you can benefit the company. Your speech should only be about one minute.

Parts of an Elevator Speech

1) Where are you now?
• State your name and major, and shake hands with the representative.
2) What have you done?
• What experiences have you had, and what strengths and skills do you have to offer?
• Also include volunteer experiences and other activities
3) Where are you going?
• State why you are interested in that company/position. Do your research. Address their corporate goals and mission while explaining how you can be an addition.

This elevator speech is one part of networking with employers that may make you nervous, but it’s an important step in appearing marketable as a job candidate. Confidence is key in making a lasting impression- and practice helps!

How L&S Career Services can Help

We have handouts on how to use career fairs to your advantage, a resume critique service, and career counselors available to help with everything from what you want to do in life to creating your “elevator speech” for introducing yourself to employers.

Looking for more tips on approaching employers, or maximizing your time at the career fair?

Stop in at our extended drop-in hours:
This week M-F 9:00am - 4:00pm
Monday, January 30 – Tuesday, January 31, 9:00am – 4:00pm

Also check out our upcoming career fair prep workshops. You not only can leave with career tips, but we will also be raffling off free prizes for attendees.

Resume Writing / How to Make the Best Use of a Career Fair
Wednesday, January 25, Noon – 1:30pm, Room 120 Middleton Building or
Monday, January 30, 4:30pm – 6:00pm, Room 120 Middleton Building

To see a list of employers attending each of the career fairs coming up soon, follow the links below.

Public Service Fair
Thursday, January 26
11:00 a.m. – 2:00 p.m.
Great Hall, Memorial Union
Participating Employers
Find full-time, volunteer, and internship positions within the public service and government sectors. Whether you want to help with the environment or at-risk children, there are opportunities available. Come see how you can make a difference.

Spring Career and Internship Fair
Tuesday, January 31
4:30 – 8:00 p.m.
Kohl Center
Participating Employers
At the largest career fair of the semester, meet with representatives from more than 175 local, regional, and national employers. Begin a job or internship search, start networking with employers, or just start researching companies and careers.

Badger Career Night
Monday, February 6
7:30 – 9:00 p.m.
Kohl Center
Participating Employers
This fair, targeted towards student athletes and student leaders, offers students the opportunity to meet with employers specifically searching for the skill set they’ve acquired through their activities. All students are welcome.