Leaving the Classroom: A Transitioning Teacher Podcast

Leaving the Classroom Podcast: Make an Impact in 60 Seconds-How to Craft a Compelling Elevator Pitch | 53

In this episode, Kristi Oliva discusses how to craft a compelling elevator pitch to help you transition from a teaching career to a new role. 

Tune in to find out:

• How to structure an effective elevator pitch with an introduction, background, and career objective
  
  
• Tips for keeping the pitch concise, highlighting your strengths and achievements, and tailoring it to your audience
  
  
• The importance of regularly practicing and seeking feedback to refine your elevator pitch and make a great impression

 Listen to the episode here:

Connect with Kristi on LinkedIn

This podcast is sponsored by IDOL Courses and is the only authorized vocational school and implementation program of its kind that not only shows you exactly how to create your job application assets and build a portfolio from scratch but also includes credentials, mentorship, expert coaching, and paid experience opportunities in corporate instructional design and online learning for life! Learn more about the program here. 

Enjoy the podcast transcription:

Kristi Oliva  

Welcome to Leaving the Classroom. This is a podcast for teachers who are ready to transition out of the classroom and into a new career. Each week, I'll share stories about what I've learned moving from education to the corporate world. I'll answer the most common questions and share my best tips to help you get started. If you are considering leaving the classroom, this show is for you. 

Kristi Oliva  

Welcome to Leaving the Classroom. I'm Kristi Oliva, and I'm so glad you're here. Have you ever been caught off guard in an interview when someone asks, "Tell me about yourself?" and maybe you stumble over your words, and you ramble, and you don't know how to wrap it up, and you just go off on a tangent? Well, crafting a compelling elevator pitch, which is what this is called, can help you nail that answer every time. Whether you're at a networking event, casual meetup, or that all-important interview, having a polished elevator pitch can make a really big difference. Today, I'm going to walk you through how to create and practice an elevator pitch that highlights your strengths and career goals. Let's get you ready to impress in any situation. 

Kristi Oliva  

So, let's first break down the structure of a great elevator pitch. First is your introduction, which you're just going to introduce yourself and your current role. For example, Hi, I'm Kristi Oliva. I'm a program manager with over 15 years of experience in classroom teaching and education. Next, your background, highlight your key skills and experiences relevant to the new career you're looking for. For instance, I have a strong background in curriculum development and project management, having designed and executed numerous educational programs. Finally, your objective. State your career goal and what you're looking for. For example, I'm seeking to transition into instructional design, where I can use my skills to create impactful corporate training programs. Now, that's just the start, so let's go through each piece by piece and help you make it even better. 

Kristi Oliva  

First of all, you need to keep it brief. Aim for 30 to 60 seconds. It should be long enough to cover the essentials, but short enough to keep interest. Use simple language, avoid jargon, and make your message clear. For example, speak in a way that anyone, regardless of industry, can understand your value. So, by keeping it short and straightforward, you're going to ensure that your pitch is both engaging and easy to understand. 

Kristi Oliva  

All right, the next step is to focus on your strengths and emphasize the skills that are transferable to your new career. For example, I excel at simplifying complex concepts and engaging diverse audiences. Use this portion to showcase your achievements. Mention specific accomplishments to demonstrate your value. For instance, I increased student engagement by 20% through innovative teaching methods. So by focusing on your strengths and showcasing your achievements, you are making a really good case for why you're a great fit for this role. 

Kristi Oliva  

Next, you need to rehearse this regularly. Practice it until it feels natural and confident and basically you've memorized it. Record yourself, practice in front of a mirror, practice in front of friends and family to make sure it sounds natural and really refined. Get input from your friends and family as well. Ask for constructive criticism to help you improve your pitch and make it the best it possibly can. So, by practicing and seeking feedback, you're going to ensure your elevator pitch is polished and effective. 

Kristi Oliva  

Lastly, you need to tailor your pitch and adjust it based on who you're speaking to. Customize your pitch to align with the interests and needs of your listener. And be ready for questions. People may and should have follow-up questions based on how engaging your elevator pitch is. So, be prepared to elaborate on your experiences or explain how your skills apply to their organization. And by tailoring your pitch and being ready for questions, you're going to make an impression. 

Kristi Oliva  

Now, today, I've given you the short version of everything you need to craft and practice a compelling elevator pitch. Remember to structure it appropriately, keep it concise and clear. Highlight your key skills and achievements. Practice regularly and adapt to your audience. If you use these tips, you are going to be ready to impress in an interview and confidently share your career story. Thanks for listening, and don't hesitate to reach out if you need help. See you next time. 

Kristi Oliva  

That's all for this episode, but you can find more at idolcourses.com or subscribe to the podcast, and if you are ready to leave the classroom, use my code classroom100 and get $100 off enrollment to IDOL courses Academy.

Send your stories or questions to [email protected] or share them with me on Instagram @leavingtheclassroom.