Drafting the Elevator Speech

For this discussion prompt, you will write an "elevator speech." Every job seeker needs an elevator speech, which is a succinct, 30-second to 1-minute speech that summarizes all of your experience, your current occupation, and a few important reasons why you would  be a perfect fit for a particular job. You can think of an elevator speech as a sort of quick sales pitch to get a potential employer interested in hiring you.

Craft an elevator speech that articulates your past experience, your current work, and the specific qualifications that make you an ideal candidate for  a particular job. (Ideally, this job would be one that you're interested in pursuing after earning your degree, or you might even craft an elevator speech for a possible promotion at your current profession. Also, you might consult the Jobs in English tab, located under the Course Home page in our online classroom, to find a profession suited to your particular skill set.)

Please feel free to think broadly and creatively about the "elevator speech." Some students might tell a story to interest their perspective employer. Others dazzle them with cutting-edge ideas. Still others create a lasting impression with humor. Read The 30 Second Elevator Speech (http://sfp.ucdavis.edu/files/163926.pdf) for an explanation and examples of exemplary work in this form of writing. How will you set yourself apart?

Finally, watch Sample "Elevator Pitches" (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=eHbpbGi7keg&feature=youtu.be) for a couple of helpful examples of elevator speeches. Also, read The Perfect Elevator Pitch to Land a Job (http://www.forbes.com/sites/nextavenue/2013/02/04/the-perfect-elevator-pitch-to-land-a-job/#fdba48f7cbd9) for tips on crafting the perfect (elevator) pitch.

Your initial post should be at least 250 words in length and include specific examples of your experience and the assets/ideas you would bring to your new position.

Respond to at least two of your classmates' posts. Each response should be at least 125 words long. Offer your classmates an honest and detailed response of their elevator speeches. Put yourself in the shoes of their perspective employer. How might he or she respond or follow up on your classmates' speech? How might the elevator speech be improved?