How can you start a conversation with a recruiter using your elevator pitch?

If you are looking for a new job, you might have the opportunity to meet recruiters at job fairs, networking events, or online platforms. How can you make a good impression and start a conversation with them using your elevator pitch? An elevator pitch is a short and persuasive introduction that summarizes who you are, what you do, and what you offer. It should be tailored to your audience and showcase your value proposition. Here are some tips to help you craft and deliver an effective elevator pitch to recruiters.

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1 Define your goal

Before you approach a recruiter, you should have a clear idea of what you want to achieve from the conversation. Do you want to learn more about their company, industry, or role? Do you want to express your interest in a specific position or opportunity? Do you want to get feedback on your resume or portfolio? Having a goal will help you focus your pitch and avoid rambling or being vague.

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2 Research your target

Another important step is to do some research on the recruiter and their organization. Find out what they are looking for, what their challenges are, and what their values are. This will help you align your pitch with their needs and interests, and demonstrate that you have done your homework. You can use their website, social media, or online reviews to gather some information. You can also ask them questions during the conversation to learn more.

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3 Highlight your skills and achievements

The core of your pitch should showcase your relevant skills and achievements that match the recruiter's criteria. You should use specific examples and numbers to back up your claims and show your impact. For example, you can mention a project you completed, a problem you solved, or a result you delivered. You should also emphasize your unique selling points, such as your personality, values, or passions, that make you stand out from the crowd.

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4 Engage with a hook

A good way to start a conversation with a recruiter is to use a hook that grabs their attention and sparks their curiosity. A hook can be a question, a statement, a story, or a compliment that relates to your goal and target. For example, you can ask them about their experience working at their company, or tell them how you came across their job posting, or compliment them on their recent achievement. A hook should be genuine, relevant, and concise.

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5 End with a call to action

The last part of your pitch should end with a call to action that invites the recruiter to continue the conversation or take the next step. Depending on your goal, you can ask them for their contact details, their feedback, their availability, or their referral. You should also thank them for their time and attention, and express your enthusiasm and interest in their organization or opportunity. A call to action should be clear, polite, and confident.

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6 Practice and refine

The final tip is to practice and refine your pitch until you feel comfortable and confident delivering it. You can practice in front of a mirror, a friend, or a camera, and get feedback on your content, tone, and body language. You should also adjust your pitch according to the situation, the recruiter, and the feedback you receive. Remember that your pitch is not a script, but a guide that helps you start a conversation with a recruiter.

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7 Here’s what else to consider

This is a space to share examples, stories, or insights that don’t fit into any of the previous sections. What else would you like to add?

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Gavin Lister

Executive Career Coach | LinkedIn Content Creator | Take control of your career | Land your next role faster without relying on recruiters and job adverts | Check out my FEATURED section below
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It depends on the context. If the conversation is about a specific role, the elevator pitch should be tailored to the requirements of that role. If it's a more general conversation the elevator pitch should be crafted to position you the way you want to be known and remembered by the recruiter. And you should practise enough that you don't have to think about it and it sounds natural, not rehearsed!

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Adrian Maloney

Semi retired GM / Business transformation and Growth - Project and Casual project or part time roles in Business Support, Sales and Marketing and general consulting
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Talk about and describe the passion you have for the role or type of role you are discussing with the recruiter. Don’t make the mistake of applying for roles for which you cannot truly be engaged. It may lead you down a path of regret in 10-20 years when changing direction is often more difficult. If passion exists and you have the training and experience you have earned the right to present your pitch.

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How can you start a conversation with a recruiter using your elevator pitch?

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1 Define your goal

2 Research your target

3 Highlight your skills and achievements

4 Engage with a hook

5 End with a call to action

6 Practice and refine

7 Here’s what else to consider

Job Search Strategies

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How can you start a conversation with a recruiter using your elevator pitch?

1

2

3

4

5

6

7

1 Define your goal

2 Research your target

3 Highlight your skills and achievements

4 Engage with a hook

5 End with a call to action

6 Practice and refine

7 Here’s what else to consider

Job Search Strategies

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