How to Network in Just 30 Seconds (2024)

A 30-second introduction shares highlights about your interests, experience, strengths, accomplishments, and goals! Be sure to tailor your introduction to the industry or person you are speaking with. A well crafted introduction will make a strong first impression. Use your introduction at networking events and career fairs. This response is great for interviews in response to the “tell me about yourself” question. Crafting an engaging response takes practice so be sure to find a friend to practice on!

Structure of your 30-second introduction

Your 30-second introduction should include the following four parts:

  • HELLO: my name is…
  • CURRENT ROLE: For students, this could be degree, major and expected graduation.
  • WHAT YOU BRING: highlights from experience including relevant knowledge or skills developed, accomplishments from school, internships, work, volunteering, research, or activities like clubs, sports, etc. In some cases, you can be explicit about how you would immediately benefit the company.
  • QUESTION: Your interest in this person or a field and what you want to learn from this interaction
  • Example: I’ve done extensive research on your website about your internship program. I’m very interested in Research and Development. Can you tell me a little more about the project work done by summer interns?

Practice, Practice, Practice

Your 30-second introduction should be conversational and natural so that you appear confident, enthusiastic, poised, and professional. Although prepared in advance, it should never sound memorized—you want to engage the listener and give him/her an opportunity to see your personality.

Here are some questions to think about in developing your 30-second introduction:

  • What is your career goal?
  • What skill, strength, or experience do you have that would help you realize that goal?
  • What are you searching for in a job?
  • How can you immediately benefit the company?

Examples

To help you get started with your introduction, review these examples and then sit down and craft your professional introduction.

  • Hello, my name is Mary Lions and I am a sophom*ore at Columbia studying English. I’m interested in exploring career opportunities in media, specifically in fashion and lifestyle editorial writing. I was very involved in my high school newspaper and am currently working as a freelance writer for the Columbia Spectator and enjoying my work. I noticed that you are working at Condé Nast. Could you please share with me how you entered your field?

  • Hi, my name is Joe and I am a senior at Columbia studying mechanical engineering. I’m interested in entering the aerospace defense industry, specifically in design engineering. I’ve done an internship with Raytheon doing 3D drafting and modeling for heavy equipment using ProE. I’m on the ultimate frisbee team and really enjoy being in a team environment. Boeing is my top choice employer. I’ve attended your information session and am really excited to apply for your training program. Can you tell me a little more about the selection process once I’ve submitted my resume online?

Using the tips above, you are now ready to make the best of your next networking event!

How to Network in Just 30 Seconds (2024)

FAQs

How to network in just 30 seconds? ›

A 30-second introduction shares highlights about your interests, experience, strengths, accomplishments, and goals! Be sure to tailor your introduction to the industry or person you are speaking with. A well crafted introduction will make a strong first impression.

What to say in me in 30 seconds? ›

Your “elevator” speech should consist of your name and title, occupation, field of interest or desired position, and something special about yourself: talents, experience or approach. The goal is to stand out from the crowd, to be memorable. Your Name — Make it easy to pronounce and remember.

What is an example of me in 30 seconds? ›

Sample “Me in 30 Seconds” statement for an interview: “People find me to be an upbeat, self-motivated team player with excellent communication skills. For the past several years I have worked in lead qualification, telemarketing, and customer service in the technology industry.

How do you sell yourself in an interview in 30 seconds? ›

The most basic 30-second pitch briefly describes your experience, your passions, a short example of a past business success and shares one of your goals. CareerTrend suggests the pitch shouldn't be overly complicated.

What is a good 30-second elevator speech? ›

What information might you include in your elevator speech for a career fair? Consider sharing your name, year in school, major skills and career goals. Include personal information only if it is relevant to the work for which you are applying.

How do you explain 30 seconds game? ›

30 Seconds is a fast-paced general knowledge game. Players generally play in teams of two or four. One player must guess a word from their teammate's explanation, much like Charades, with the aim to guess as many possible answers in 30 seconds.

What is introducing yourself in a smart and powerful way in just 30 seconds called? ›

A personal commercial (also known as an elevator speech, personal introduction, 30-second commercial, etc.) is a quick, effective way to make an impressive introduction.

How many seconds is 30 words? ›

15 seconds: approx 30 words.

What is 30 seconds speech? ›

An elevator speech or pitch is a brief summary used to quickly define a person, service, product, etc. Start writing your 30-second elevator speech by answering the following questions. Then use the answers to write a message that you can share with someone in 30 seconds.

How do I describe myself in 2 sentences? ›

Sample answers:

I am a hard-working and driven individual who isn't afraid to face a challenge. I'm passionate about my work and I know how to get the job done. I would describe myself as an open and honest person who doesn't believe in misleading other people and tries to be fair in everything I do.

How will I describe myself in 3 words? ›

For example, you might use a word like "kind," "patient," "determined" or "resilient." Consider using your third selection to explain some of your unique qualities. For example, you can use a word like "adventurous," "generous," "resourceful," "outgoing" or "thoughtful."

What is the 30 seconds rule? ›

This could be true at a networking event, in the office, or on the phone. The point of the 30-second rule is to make sure in the first 30 seconds of every conversation that you say something encouraging about that person. It's amazing how simple, yet how effective this practice truly is.

How do you network casually? ›

Suggest a Casual Way to Keep in Touch

Instead, ask if it's okay to exchange phone numbers or social media info. Wait a few days, then reach out with a quick text or DM saying how nice it was to meet them and that you'd love to take them out for coffee or lunch to continue the conversation.

What is the 30-second rule in a relationship? ›

The 30-second rule is simply this: Within the first 30 seconds of any conversation, do or say something to encourage the person you're talking with. On average, we hear about 25,000 words each day, spanning 4.5 hours' worth of conversations.

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