Many people incorrectly assume that they do not need to spend time thinking about their personal pitch before an interview. However, it is important to compose your pitch so you can explain how your experiences have prepared you for work in that position and with that company! It is important to be able to succinctly sell yourself to the recruiter. It may seem awkward at first to “sell yourself,” let alone talk about yourself if you are not accustomed to it, but it is necessary.

A Personal Pitch is a thirty second to two minute long infomercial about yourself.  It should contain the most important and relevant information that you want the listener to know about you.  To prepare your personal pitch, you should know:

• To whom you are pitching (along with an understanding of the company, position and person)
• What they are looking for in a candidate
• The characteristics of your competitors
• Your unique qualities

To prepare your Personal Pitch, consider the following topics:

• Talents and abilities that you have and can use in a job setting
• Skills that are related to the position
• The kinds of people and environments that you prefer
• Your interests and hobbies

Your Personal Pitch should contain the following sections, in this order:

• Personal introduction: What are the most important personal qualities about yourself that you want the interviewer to know?
• Professional introduction: What are the most important things about your professional/academic experiences that you want the interviewer to know?
• Highlight key strengths or skills.
• Prepare to discuss three accomplishments that demonstrate your strengths, skills, and personal/professional qualities.
• Prepare a summary statement of why you should be hired/how you are the ideal candidate for the position.

Sample Personal Pitch:

“Hello, it is a pleasure to meet you Ms. Lambert.  Thank you for taking the time to meet with me today. I am very excited about the prospect of working as an auditor for PWC, as I’ve heard great things about your company. I believe that the position of auditor requires an individual who can work well independently, demonstrate initiative, and who also has excellent people skills. I believe I have these qualities in abundance. For example, as secretary of the student accounting club, my job was to ensure excellent attendance at club functions and to increase club enrollment. I accomplished these things by developing a club Listserve for current members that kept them informed about all club activities and by sending out targeted mass emails to students extolling the benefits of club membership. As a result, attendance at club events and actual club membership has reached the highest levels since the club was founded. I believe that I can use my skills and interpersonal qualities at PWC in the same manner to contribute to the goals of the company.”

Combine your professional skills, experience, accomplishments, and personal traits that are directly related to the position into a comprehensive narrative to create the perfect pitch. Remember to come across as enthusiastic, articulate and knowledgeable and you will undoubtedly make a lasting, positive impression.