Exercise 1 - Develop Your Own Commercial
Imagine that you are your own "product." You have to sell yourself and your potential contributions to a prospective employer, or "buyer." What would you sell? For example, what are some of the strengths you bring to the table?
On a separate sheet of paper, spend 5 to 10 minutes free writing and brainstorming about you as a commercial. Next, what action or step can you take to get closer to developing your product?
Exercise 2 - 30-Second Elevator Pitch
Did you know that, in an interview situation, the interviewer usually sizes up the job candidate in 30 seconds or less? And he or she usually has a firm impression of the candidate within a couple of minutes of meeting the person. So what does that mean for you? You have to make a strong first impression. It is important to develop and practice your pitch or story. If you have only 30 seconds to make a good impression, what do you say about yourself?
On a separate sheet of paper, write a rough script for your 30-second pitch. Next, practice it on your own or in front of family members. (Practice in front of a mirror if you have some inhibitions about public speaking.) How did that feel? Were you more comfortable the more you practiced? This is a skill that takes time and practice.