How to Pitch Yourself to Potential Employers

Photo Courtesy of  University Career Fair by Rachel Holderman

Cold emailing or messaging a potential employer, client, or LinkedIn connection can feel intimidating. Reaching out to someone you have never met and summarizing who you are, what you can offer, and why someone should hire you can be overwhelming. In public relations, a “pitch” is often considered a story being sent to media outlets or something used in sales. The more you prepare for the internship search, begin the application process and interviews, the more you learn pitching yourself is just as important as what is written on your resume. A pitch shows that you have tailored your message and can bring tangible value, all while understanding the company’s priorities. 

Shift Your Mindset: Your Resume Isn’t Enough

I thought my resume would just “speak for itself.” If I had enough skills, experience and certifications, that would make me stand out. However, I began to realize employers are not asking “What have you done?” Rather,  they are asking questions such as “What can you do for us?” Be specific in answering how you can help them, as well as how you are different from other candidates. When you begin answering these questions in front of that potential employer, it becomes clear to them that you are not just a student looking for opportunities but an employee looking to solve a specific problem.

Start With the Right Questions

Once you begin researching companies more intentionally, consider these questions:

• What does this company value?

• What problem might they be trying to solve?

• What skills or experiences of mine align with that?

• Why am I specifically interested in them?

A thoughtful pitch can answer these questions fluidly and correctly. Take time to think through your answers and practice speaking aloud to familiarize yourself with the values of the company.

Research, Research, Research

Once you start researching people and companies, learn to tailor your message to the audience. This includes researching what is going on in their industry, their most recent campaign or upcoming trends. Mention a specific initiative or project while including yourself in these goals and how you can contribute to its success.

Pitching gets easier with practice. Your pitch will grow and develop as you gain more new experience. When pitches are done well, they communicate who you are, what you care about, and how you can contribute. Your resume lists your experiences, while your pitch explains your value.