30-Second Commercial

One of the keys to successful interviewing and networking is to make a really strong first impression. One of the first opportunities to make this impression is often in response to the question “Tell me about yourself.” The answer is your personal “commercial.” It is essentially an overview of your experience, skills, strengths, accomplishments and goals – all in 30 seconds!

You will use your 30 second commercial throughout your professional life. Some relevant uses include:

• At an interview
• In a cover letter –to highlight your background and key abilities
• At professional networking events – when you are asked to introduce yourself
• In cold calling employers for an internship or future job
• When introducing yourself to a potential employer at a career fair

The structure of a 30 second commercial generally follows this pattern:

1. Introduce yourself, when appropriate
2. Discuss your As a student this would include your major field of study, any related work/internship experience and/or related coursework/research
3. State a strength or special skill relevant to the position and/or organization
4. Follow that with an accomplishment (or two) that proves you have that It can be related to school, work, a volunteer experience, participation in a student organization (like SGA), etc.
5. Describe your employment What are you looking for now and/or in the future?
6. Most importantly, tell how you can immediately benefit the company

Practice, practice, practice. Your 30 second commercial should be conversational and natural. Although prepared in advance, it should never sound memorized. You want to appear confident, enthusiastic, poised and professional.

Make it memorable but not outrageous. You are competing with many other qualified candidates. Your commercial should allow you to stand out a bit from the crowd. Whether it is the vocabulary you choose or a specific achievement you mention, you want to engage the listener and give them an opportunity to see your personality.

Be prepared for follow-up questions, especially if this is an interview. You may be asked for more information or to elaborate on something you said which will keep the conversation going. Part of your strategy is to develop a rapport with the interviewer and a good commercial and follow-up will help to set a positive tone.

Vary your closing to fit the circumstances. For an interview, focusing on how you can benefit the company or how you fit the particular position is appropriate. At a networking event or Career Fair you want to be proactive and may want to consider an action question – “May I send you my resume?” or “May I have your business card and contact you …”