Is your 30-second Introduction a conversation starter or killer?
by Markell R. Morris, Futures in Motion, Inc.
How many times have you walked into a networking event and clammed up?
Everyone around you is clustered into small groups talking, seemingly already well-acquainted. At some point, you lock eyes with another job seeker standing alone and know that an introduction is on the way. So, you each make your way towards one another. Then comes the question, “So, what type of job are you looking for?”
Ugh! What do you say? Usually the answer is something like, “Oh something in marketing or project management (or fill in the blank).”
The other person just nods and mutters “Oh.”
The conversation quickly ends. Then, you slink away feeling like you just missed an opportunity and wonder if there’s a better way to say what you really want to say about the job you want.
Hopefully, this doesn’t happen to you (often).
So, what happened?
The person you were talking to still doesn’t know what type of job you want and can’t help you.
As a career counselor I have this type of exchange with job seekers all the time. Fortunately, I’m skilled at asking questions to draw out the real job target, but the average person won’t take the time to ask questions to figure out how they can help you.
There’s a better approach - prepare a simple, yet powerful 30-second introduction that opens up the conversation rather than shuts it down.
In your introduction focus on who you help, what problem you solve and what outcomes you achieve.
Take inventory of your accomplishments to identify the common theme among them. Think about what you have been recognized for, those times when you’ve achieved your best, and made contributions to your department or company. Think about what makes someone successful in the job your want and come up with examples of work you’ve done in those areas.
Take inventory of your accomplishments to identify the common theme among them. Think about what you have been recognized for, those times when you’ve achieved your best, and made contributions to your department or company. Think about what makes someone successful in the job your want and come up with examples of work you’ve done in those areas.
Here are a few examples:
Hi, my name is Jeff, and I’m a marketing professional specializing in creating and executing marketing campaigns. I manage the project from concept to implementation so my clients don’t have to worry about the details and can focus on their customers.
Hi, my name is Christine, and I'm an HR professional. I manage the operational infrastructure so that the executive team can focus on the big picture strategy in the construction industry.
Hi, my name is Markell, and I’m a career counselor. I help people who have experienced loss and personal challenges reclaim their careers. I help them re-imagine their future and gain the confidence to pursue a meaningful career.
Hi, my name is Jeff, and I’m a marketing professional specializing in creating and executing marketing campaigns. I manage the project from concept to implementation so my clients don’t have to worry about the details and can focus on their customers.
Hi, my name is Christine, and I'm an HR professional. I manage the operational infrastructure so that the executive team can focus on the big picture strategy in the construction industry.
Hi, my name is Markell, and I’m a career counselor. I help people who have experienced loss and personal challenges reclaim their careers. I help them re-imagine their future and gain the confidence to pursue a meaningful career.
Apply the framework: who you help, what problem you solve and what outcomes you achieve; to come up with your own 30-second introduction.
When I talk with my clients about how important networking is to exploring and connecting career opportunities, they cringe. Networking doesn’t have to be uncomfortable. By applying the above framework you’ll have your 30-second introduction down and can confidently network your way into a new job.
When I talk with my clients about how important networking is to exploring and connecting career opportunities, they cringe. Networking doesn’t have to be uncomfortable. By applying the above framework you’ll have your 30-second introduction down and can confidently network your way into a new job.
How can you adjust your 30-second introduction to be a conversation starter?
Are you stuck in your job search and ready to improve your chances of connecting to the job of your dreams? Let's talk about it. Book a Career Strategy Consultation with me to pinpoint ways you can attract better job opportunities.
Markell R. Morris is an international speaker, career counselor and job search coach based in Long Beach, CA. Her mission is to help frustrated career changers get excited about their life and career after loss and personal challenges. She has created career programs and resources that help her clients gain a sense of direction and hope, so they can go after their goals with confidence. Download her free ebook, Create a Career You Love, for career advice to discover your meaningful career path.
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