The networking pitch toolkit

Follow the format below to draft one or more versions of your networking pitch. Once you have one or two prepared, practice with a coach, friend, family member, or colleague to see how it works. You want something that expresses information quickly, flows easily for you, and that you can remember on demand.

What’s the first thing you’d like people to know about you? Make sure to choose something that is aligned to your career goal.

Example: “I’m an experienced retail manager, completing a degree in Health Sector Management.”

If you can briefly describe your career goal, great! If not, tell your listener what you want to learn or explore.

Example: “I’m making a career move to healthcare administration.”

What shows that you are qualified for this career? Share a special skill or interest related to your career goal. You can also include an accomplishment or success story that illustrates a key interest or skill if you like.

Example: “I’d like to use my skills in customer service, team management, and daily operations to help get medical quality care to people who need it.”

If you know the person you’re talking well-enough, you might be able to include a request.

Example: “If you happen to know anyone working in the local healthcare field, I’d appreciate it if you’d help me connect with them on LinkedIn.”

You can change the order of the elements, or leave out or add elements. Try following this format first, and then change it as you wish.