By Caroline Player, GTAA Director of Career Services
Whether you are an engaged networker, an active job seeker or just regularly meet new people, you have likely been faced with this seemingly simple prompt: “Tell me about yourself.”
We’ve heard it many times before, but delivering the perfect response is often stressful.
Unless you are a gold-standard networker, your pulse likely elevates a tad when you imagine delivering your pitch. Why is that?
We don’t know exactly what to say. The possibilities are endless, right? Do you want to know that my favorite pizza toppings are pepperoni, black olives and onions? Do you want to know that my favorite movie director is M. Night Shyamalan? How well do you want to know me?
We don’t know want to seem too rehearsed. When answering questions about your background, whether in an interview or at a casual meeting with a new client, you want to sound natural and approachable, not like a robot.
We want to do well. Typically in professional situations, something is on the line. Whether it is starting a networking event on the right foot, nailing an interview or trying to win a new piece of business, what you say about yourself and how you say it will make an impression regarding how good of a fit you are for the job and company culture.
There is undeniable pressure in communicating your best attributes in a few short, neatly tied sentences. Telling complete strangers about yourself is never easy. But a few simple guidelines will make the process more comfortable.
Focus on recent professional background. In any professional situation, most content should be focused on your business life. Don’t talk about your love of Star Trek (at least not in this initial introduction).
Be relevant. Communicate the skills and experience that are most relevant to the position, to the pitch and to the networking event. You may need to adapt your pitch according to the situation.
Be prepared but don’t memorize. Think of a few strong points you’d like to mention. Focus on professional contributions, things you enjoy and areas of expertise. Don’t memorize your delivery as if it were a speech.
Be aware of the flow of conversation. Depending on the situation, you may not be able to download all of your planned pitch points in one fell swoop. It actually may be better and seem more natural to work your interests and background into the course of the conversation.
Good luck, Yellow Jackets—live long and prosper!
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