Fast pitch: Make the most of quick encounters

Whether you see a potential boss in an elevator or have a real-live person answer the phone when you were planning on leaving a “consider-me-forthe-job” voicemail, it’s important to have a quick pitch ready for any potential employer.

“If you meet someone or get them on the phone, don’t mess with the small talk. Be polite but get right to the specific and relevant information. There’s a chance they may find that approach refreshing and within five minutes, you may find a common ground, and next thing you know you are in a full-blown interview,” says Donald Bitmore, a career consultant in Phoenix, Arizona. “You have to be ready with your best stuff every time.”

Still, cold-calling or perceived stalking isn’t the best approach. If you’re going to have a “random” encounter with someone, a little planning may be required. The best way to ensure this happens is to use your network to make a direct contact within the company. If a contact of a contact on LinkedIn happens to work at the company to which you’ve applied, use that network to establish a contact with the hiring manager.

Once the proper person has been identified, it’s time to prepare a stump speech.

“Be ready with your best talking points up front,” Bitmore says. “Think of your speech like bullet points. Use quick sentences to describe what you’ve done and what you’re capable of doing.”

Don’t lose sight of the ultimate goal, which is to schedule a face-to-face interview.

“Keep the conversation short and leave it open-ended,” says Bitmore. “Maybe mention how you’d like to drop off some samples of your work or if could meet in person in the future.”