The Elevator Pitch & ProfessionalismWorkshop

Competition date, presentation and preparation

You have 60 seconds to connect with your dream employer. Will you know what to say?

Sign-up for a video filming time as soon as you finish your preparation steps.

Filming and Submitting your Elevator Pitch Video for the Competition

2

Visit the Dean’s Office in the College of Business (ATK 203) to sign-up for a video time.

Film your pitch in ATK. Dress professionally and be prepared to deliver your pitch in one take.

Videos are judged by panelists. Nov 2 – 20

Week of Oct 26

Oct 2 - 23

Competition Day: What to Expect

The contestant shakes hands with the MC and has 1-minute to deliver

the pitch.

Contestants are called randomly to the stage.

Check-in at Max Noah Recital Hall in Porter

by 10:45 a.m.

Professional Attire is Required!

• Expectations of Employers• First Impressions• Elevator Pitch• Professional Attire• After the Elevator Pitch

Professionalism Presentation Outline

• Be engaged and energetic• Keep it conversational, not memorized• Focus on key action words and flow • Dialogue is authentic

Expectations of Employers

• List key words that describe you • Reflect on what makes you unique • Identify transferrable skills • Focus in on problems you have solved• Write down goals and long-term pursuits • Ask the “why” question?• Always connect back to employer

Preparing for the Elevator PitchWrite down your ideas

• Is this insightful?• Is this relatable? • Is this relevant?• Is this important?• Am I wandering off topic?

Things to Ask Yourself

- Introduce yourself - Create clear, concise and organized thoughts- Explain your passion and articulate it - Showcase a knowledge of the company/industry- Understand your strengths and how they

connect to employer needs- Communicate solutions and contribution

Elevator PitchDevelop and deliver

• Positive Attitude• Posture• Smile• Eye contact• Listen• Show Alertness/Interest• Firm handshake• Lean In Slightly• Project Your Voice, Speak Clearly• Clean, neat, polished appearance

First Impressions

• Profession/education – current job title, major• What you are looking for • Hard and soft skills you possess • Experience in various working environments• Unique standout traits which set you apart • Hook (memorable line)• Allow for dialogue • Produce contact information

Content

• This is an introduction not a complete interview

• It’s is your commercial not a full movie • Quality over quantity (100-200 words)• Purpose: to create future conversations• Bring out your own personality • Create good body language

Things to remember

• Teamwork, problem solving, prioritize information, process information, analyze data, computer software, create written reports, influence others

• Behavioral-based interviewing Content Action Results

NACE SkillsTop skills employers seek

• Use gender-neutral language (chairperson)• Language focused on the person not disability• Cultural Identity - give ownership to person

(“he/she” identifies as) • Empowerment (minority vs under-represented) • Age-related stereotyping • Sexual Orientation (partner, use pronouns)

Use Inclusive Language Don’t assume or marginalize identities

• Consider this an interview opportunity • Strive to wear professional attire• Bring your best • If you are questioning if its appropriate, its

probably not

Professional AttireWhat’s Appropriate for the Elevator Pitch Competition

• Best Practice:– Solid patterns, two-button suit– Medium-to dark gray or blue two-piece suit– Suit is a singular color (black vs. brown)– Dress socks not black athletic socks – Avoid themed ties (sport teams/characters) Ask for your measurements to ensure best fit*Suggestion: Use Full Windsor/Double Windsor knot

Attire for MenBasic professional attire

– Bright mix-matched colors – Graphic t-shirt underneath your white dress shirt– Wrinkled and unpressed – Unfolded or poorly placed pocket squares – Wearing non dress shoes (ie. casual loafers/boat shoes) – Failing to groom facial hair– Wearing a belt buckle or no belt at all

Attire for MenWhat to avoid

• Two-piece, matching skirt or pants suit– Sizing can be difficult. If you need to mix-and-match a

coordinating blazer with skirt/pants, you can still look professional.

– Skirts should be knee-length

• Conservative cut blouse in a neutral color• Close-toed pumps or flats (3-inch heel or

lower)• Hosiery is still encouraged for skirt suits

Attire for WomenBasic professional attire

• Sheer materials• Cut-outs in the fabric• Low-cut blouses• Slits up the leg• Pencil skirts that are too tight• Open-toed, higher than 3-inch heels• Flashy jewelry• Too much makeup• Hair falling in the face

Attire for WomenWhat to Avoid

• Good grooming• Neat, clean hair and nails• A padfolio to keep notes, resumes• Keep a Tide pen for emergency stains• Fresh clothing/wrinkle free• Avoid overusing perfume/cologne

General Tips for Men and Women

Wear to Shop

Men• Milledgeville

– JCPenney– T.J. Maxx

• Macon– Men’s Wearhouse– Jos. A. Banks– Kohl’s– Macy’s – Ldw’s Men’s Designer

Fashion– Saleem’s High Fashion

Women• Milledgeville

– JCPenney– Belk– T.J. Maxx

• Macon– Macy’s – Dillard’s– Talbot’s– Burlington Coat Factory– Ann Taylor Factory Outlet

(Locust Grove – many good deals!)

• Offer your business card• Email • Thank you notes• Phone• Applying online for a position with that

company

After the Elevator PitchFollowing up with employers

• Evaluate office culture • Dress business casual • Know when you are being too formal, too informal • Engage in hobbies, common interests• Pace meal, conversation, etc. with host

Informal Settings Getting to know the personal you – the right fit

• Take responsibility for your actions• Have best interest of those in the group• Maintain confidentiality when necessary• Communicate regularly• Ask for clarification

Best Practice In Work Environments