A few years ago, I was at a gym, shaving after my morning workout.
Standing next to me was a fellow I knew only slightly. Making small banter, I asked how he was doing and he responded with a simple “fine,” then walked away.
I happened to know that he was desperately looking for work after being recently laid off. I also knew that he knew I owned a large staffing firm.
What a missed opportunity.
Just think: What if this fellow hadn’t walked away, but instead had mentioned that, yes, he was doing fine — and that he was looking for a new job?
Me being me, I would’ve followed with, “Oh, what kind of work are you looking for?”
Then he’d take advantage of the opportunity and launch into his well-rehearsed 30-second elevator speech. The term, of course, derives from the amount of time it takes to reach your floor before you exit — about 30 seconds, usually less.
In contrast to the above shaving scene, let’s flip the script for a different outcome. You’re standing in the elevator when the door opens and you recognize someone like me who helps people looking for work.
You quickly introduce yourself and when asked how you’re doing, you say, “Well, right now, I’m in the middle of a job search.” Then someone like me asks you, “Oh, what kind of work are you looking for?”
What a great opportunity!
You’ve given your elevator speech
Before the door opens again, you’ve given your elevator speech, which goes something like this:
“Thanks for asking. I’m looking for a sales position with a large telecommunications firm like Qualcomm or Nokia that has extensive South American operations, where I can use my fluent Spanish and experience from internships during college.”
You’ve just told this person — OK, me — that you’re looking for a job, you want something in telecommunications, you suggested some firms as examples, you mentioned sales, you speak fluent Spanish, and you’re obviously ambitious because you did several internships overseas.
Short and concise and — best of all — you got the conversation started.
An ideal response from me would be, “I know lots of people at Qualcomm and I’d be happy to make some introductions for you.”
Or, “I’d like to follow up with you. Would that be OK?” Then I’d hand you my business card and ask you for yours.
Most of us aren’t taking many elevators
I realize that during this era of remote working, most of us aren’t taking many elevators these days.
Yet, no matter where you are, having a handy 30-second pitch about what you’re looking for would be appropriate in virtually any networking interaction — especially one that might help you find a job.
Don’t ever be afraid or feel ashamed about looking for a new position. You’re not alone. There are still millions of Americans in the same situation.
Think of it as a pay-it-forward situation, that those people who know you or you just met want to help you, because some day you may be in a position to help them.
If there are three or four career paths that interest you, you’ll need an elevator speech for each one, and it’s possible to link them all together.
Such as, “I’m looking for a position in sales, marketing or HR in a large multinational technology firm,” followed by your qualifications, briefly.
But beware: If after being asked, “What kind of position are you looking for,” your first response is nothing more than, “Uh, I don’t know,” good luck with that.
Many times, I’ve gotten off an elevator on the wrong floor to escape that kind of nothingness.
Point is, never miss an opportunity to network, which is how 80% of jobs are landed. It’s all about who knows who, and who knows who might be able to help you.
Just like perfecting your resume before you submit it, and being prepared for every interview before you walk in, be prepared for any networking opportunity that might suddenly arise.
Despite social distancing, opportunity can knock anywhere — even while shaving at the gym.
Blair is co-founder of Manpower San Diego and author of “Job Won.”
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When opportunity knocks, it’s time to elevate your job search - The San Diego Union-Tribune
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