A common Interview dilemma is how to sell yourself professionally in a Job Interview. You can be successful and confident but a bit modest when it comes to talking about yourself. That’s why, a Unique Selling Point(USP ) and an interview elevator pitch is useful if you aren’t used to talking about yourself.
Prerequisites for an Interview Elevator Pitch:
- Understand your key strengths and describe them in a clear, concise manner.
- Note down your thoughts about what makes you stand apart from other candidates.
- Communicating USPs is not about bragging or boasting about yourself. Instead, it’s like a personal branding campaign.
- In an interview, use self-presentation as a tool to convince the employer that you’re the best fit for the role.
- List some objective facts with supporting examples instead of your own self-opinion.
- Create your USP as a strategy to distinguish yourself before potential employers.
- Use an Interview Elevator pitch to pitch your USPs and add them also in your Career Summary.
- USPs are promotional marketing tactics where you craft your organic selling points candidly.
- Your USPs should touch upon the multiple ways in which you can benefit the company once hired.
- Be persuasive regarding your approach but not stiff or manipulative.
- Conduct your research and cross-check the job description. Check if you have the required skills or accomplishments for that role and emphasise them during the Interview.
- Do not prepare a speech about your USPs but use it for conversations and interview discussions.
- Make it seem natural and not awkward when you pitch your USPs. Rehearse several times before the interview for confidence.
- Articulate only on your positive qualities as your USPs. If you’ve to mention weaknesses, say something that won’t impact your claim for the role.
- Use an outsider’s perspective or feedback from someone for evaluating your USPs.
- Avoid generic USPs like “Hardworker”, “Sincere” or “Dedicated” unless personified with real-life examples.
Interview Questions for your Interview Elevator Pitch:
- Tell me something about yourself?
- What can you say about yourself?
- Why should you be considered a good fit?
- Why should we hire you?
- What are some of your strengths and weaknesses?
- Walk me through your Resume..
- What are some qualities for which you pride yourself?
Examples of Interview Elevator Pitch:
- If you’ve applied for a Management role, you can demonstrate your USPs in this manner:
Strengths + USP + Supporting Proof Statement
Sample Strengths:
- Goal-oriented
- Leadership
- Diplomatic
- Focussed
Sample USPs:
- #1: Management Skills
- #2: Customer Service
- #3: Market Research
Sample Proof Statement: “As an Intern, I was exposed to a business environment where I exclusively managed client-side communication. As part of my work commitment, it was my duty to ensure customer satisfaction at all times. I followed up with different leads and conducted market research for several projects. I’m focussed and determined to aid your company similarly to the best of my abilities.”
- If you’ve applied for an Engineering role, you can demonstrate your USPs in this manner:
Strengths + USP + Supporting Proof Statement
Sample Strengths:
- Result-oriented
- Collaborative
- Diplomatic
- Consultative
Sample USPs:
- #1: Supervisory Skills
- #2: Client Satisfaction
- #3: Site Management
Sample Proof Statement: “As an Intern, my exposure to various site environments helped me coordinate with Project Managers and workers. As part of my work commitment, it was my duty to ensure client satisfaction at all times. I followed up with Regulators and authorities to ensure safe construction permits. I’m excited to aid your facility with various site management projects.”
Conclusion:
Pitching your USPs is integral to leaving a good impression in a Recruiter’s mind. We hope our article on ‘Interview 101: Interview Elevator Pitch’ has helped you.
You may also consult Expert Advice from a Resume Building service like cvDragon to craft your USPs for your next interview.
