Introduction

A client once told me “There’s nothing worse than going to an event and being asked what I do for work.” Sometimes simple questions can be a challenge to answer. However, when it comes to our professional careers providing a concise statement, sometimes known as a personal statement or elevator pitch, can help create engaging conversations.

Start by Writing

Trying to “ad lib” a response about your career can result in rambling, incoherent information. Start by writing a brief statement about your skills, talents, values, and interests. An example is:

I’ve always loved technology and solving complex problems. After working for government contract employers as a system engineer, I recently moved to a financial company contributing as a technical manager. I enjoy leading teams, researching issues, and developing solutions.

Practice

A simple statement about your work is not intended to be a complete career reveal. Practice saying your statement and then stop talking. For some people, this exercise can be a challenge.

While a personal statement can lead to more questions, it can also convey a professional image and start an engaging conversation. The statement does not need to be boring, and it can vary depending on the audience.

Considerations

What professional image do you want to convey? What information do you want to share and why? Who are you communicating with and would they want to know?

If you’re not sure how to communicate your value, contact me.