STEMskiller: Skill Set Map for Mentors of Early Career Researchers
CAREER MANAGEMENT: Placement and job searching/seeking
Pitch training in preparation for interviews
Definition:
The“Elevator pitch”[1] in the job interview context is a brief description of oneself, goals, and aspirations that a job candidate prepares (i.e., writes and practices) prior to an interview or as a professional introduction, to have ready if asked questions such as “tell me a little about yourself.”
[1] https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Elevator_pitch
Useful resources on Pitch training in preparation for interviews:
Carnegie Mellon University Career & Professional Development Center. (2020). Find a Job of Internship. https://www.cmu.edu/career/students-and-alumni/find-a-job-or-internship/index.html
The “Interviewing Tips” section contains the particularly useful “Elevator Pitch (professional self-introduction) Quick Tips.” Related videos (including analysis and examples of making improvements) include: Using your Research Experience in your Elevator Pitch, Discussing your Service Experience in your Elevator Pitch, Leveraging your Leadership Skills in your Elevator Pitch, and Ask the Experts: Using your Elevator Pitch.
University of Massachusetts Amherst: The College of Natural Sciences. (2018). College of Natural Sciences Career Development Handbook. https://www.cns.umass.edu/sites/default/files/attachments/career_dev_handbook.pdf
Pages 39-40 provide a guide to creating an effective pitch. Includes sample pitches and tips.
Tags: IPS OC; PSR IKS; PSR ER; PSR LL; PSR GL; CompTS; CompGS
Peer Review: None
Table of contents:
- 3.4. Placement and job searching/seeking
- 3.4.1. Non-academic positions
3.4.2. Academic positions
- 3.4.2.1. Applying for academic jobs
3.4.2.2. CVs and cover letters
3.4.2.3. Application essays and other (teaching, research) statements
3.4.2.4. Interview techniques for academic positions
- 3.4.2.6. Salary negotiation
3.4.2.7. Qualifications/skills documentation and verification
3.4.2.8. Skills gap identification and development
Author: Stephanie Krueger
Peer Reviewer(s): None
Last Updated: October 28, 2021