A 30-second introduction is a brief yet information-packed overview that describes you, your education and your career aspirations. Having a short personal pitch memorized allows you to quickly get and keep the attention of potential employers in busy networking venues, like job fairs. Successful introductions are typically delivered when a potential employer or recruiter says, “Tell me a little bit about yourself.”
Name and Educational Credentials
Unless you've been in the job force for some time, in which case you would lead off with an overview of your current job position, begin your introduction by stating your name and providing a summary of your educational history. “My name is John Smith and I'm a recent graduate of Ohio State University, where I majored in marketing and advertising. I recently completed an intensive internship with ABC advertising firm where I had the privilege of working on several major rebranding campaigns.”
Career Aspirations
The second part of your introduction should mention your career aspirations while letting recruiters know you understand the need for starting in an entry-level position and moving up through the ranks. “I'd ultimately like to be in a senior project management capacity with a midsized marketing firm, but I understand most starting positions are in account management.” If you know anything about the company representative you're talking to, insert a sentence about what attracts you to the organization. “I think the rebranding campaign you did last year for the local school district was genius, which is one of the reasons I’m attracted to your firm.”
What You Have to Offer
Part of selling yourself includes letting the employer know what contributions you can immediately make to the company. Continue your introduction with a description of what you have to offer. “I'm looking for a career opportunity that lets me get a foot in the door and start learning how I can be most beneficial to an agency. I could hit the ground running with account management assistance, drafting logo concepts and marketing slogans or filling whatever immediate need you have.”
Wait for Feedback
Once you deliver your introduction, listen to the feedback you get from the employer or recruiter. He might ask you to expand on something you mentioned in your introduction or he might ask for a copy of your resume, invite you to submit an application or even conduct an interview with you on the spot. Follow up with the contact immediately after the job fair with a thank-you letter.
