What a networking pitch sounds like

What it is:

A pitch is a short, verbal, self-introduction that tells others about your career goals, skills, and interests. A pitch gives anyone you meet a chance to quickly get to know you and should help them see where you fit in the professional world.

The Components of a pitch:

Headline: Explain your current job or academic status including an area of focus or interest, such as your major if you are in school or the main content of your job if you are employed.
Career-related goal: State what you are currently working toward professionally. This goal can be specific (an example of a specific goal might be the answer to the question, “What kind of job are you looking for at this time? Or, “What is the next step in your career?”) or broad (an example of a broad goal might be the desire to learn more about a certain industry or employer, or to get to know more people working in a certain profession) but it should always be clear.
Interests and Skills: Prepare a brief statement that demonstrates the skills and interests you have that show your connection and fit for your career goal.
What you want (optional depending on the scenario): If you are looking for something specific from the person you are talking to, prepare a polite way to ask for it. This step may or may not be appropriate depending on the amount of time you have with the person and how well you know you them, but it’s always a good idea to be ready to share specifically how you think the person could help you.

Networking Pitch Examples

What A Networking Pitch Sounds Like Cropped

Jenny Fischer

Career Goal: Marketing Analyst, Market research firm

Headline: I’m a sociology major at University of Washington.
Career goal: I’m planning to work in marketing analysis…
Interests or skills: …so that I can combine my knowledge of social psychology with my research and data analysis skills.
What Jenny wants: Right now, I’m hoping to find an internship with a marketing research firm.

Alan Ying

Career Goal: Not sure at this time

Headline: I’m graduating from Skyline College in Biology this June.
Career goal: I’m researching careers…
Interests or skills: …where I can help to develop ways to improve public health and prevent the spread of diseases.

Alonzo Davis

Career Goal: Staff Accountant, Nonprofit/Public Sector

Headline: I’m graduating next month with a Bachelor’s in Business.
Accomplishment story: I interned last summer at an accounting firm, where I helped small businesses to prepare for audits and financial reviews. 100% of the clients I worked with passed their evaluations successfully.
Interests or skills: It was great to combine my industry knowledge with my interest in helping community-based businesses succeed.
What he wants: I’m looking for entry-level staff accountant opportunities in either the non-profit or public accounting fields.

Jesse Matthews

Career Goal: Human Resource Manager, Tech Industry

Headline: I’m working on a Masters in Human Resources, and I also work as an Office Manager at a local tech company.
Interests or skills: Now that I’ve almost completed my Master’s Degree, I’m looking for an HR Manager position, preferably in the technology field…
What Jesse wants: …where I can combine expertise in employee development with my knowledge of the tech industry.

Riva MacDonald

Career Goal: Health Services Administrator, Hospital or Medical Center

Headline: I’m an experienced retail manager, completing a degree in Health Sector Management.
Career goal: I’m making a career move to healthcare administration…
Interests or skills: …where I can use my skills in customer service, team management, and daily operations to help get medical quality care to the people who need it.