Elevator Pitches

As a general rule, I hate talking about myself. I’ve seen firsthand too many examples of people craving attention and the bragging, showing off, trash-talking, and talking oneself up that always accompanies it. I find it childish to see other people doing so, and I hate it when I find myself bragging. For whatever reason, I just never have really had a very strong desire for recognition. When I do well, I’m comfortable enough to know in my heart that I did well, and it doesn’t really matter to me who celebrates alongside me.  

In my self-centered worldview, I consider this aversion to bragging a positive thing, but when it comes down to interview time, this trait of mine really stabs me in the back. I feel awkward and uncomfortable when I am sitting in front of someone trying to play up all of my strengths. Because it’s so unnatural for me, I often end up saying a lot of dumb things in front of the very people I’m trying to impress.

As I was listening to the class presentation about elevator speeches, I was really intrigued. I've obviously heard references to elevator pitches before, but I was never really given an in-depth discussion about how useful they can be. What I heard in class has got me thinking about how useful such a pitch could be in helping me overcome my interviewing weakness. I’m determined to make sure that I plan ahead and prepare an elevator pitch so that when circumstances force me to turn the limelight on myself, I won’t be caught off guard and will be able to deliver key information about myself in a non-threatening, non-bragging way.