Over the holiday period there is good chance you are going to attend one or two social gatherings where family and friends are likely to ask you what your plans are now that you have graduated. Here are some tips to help turn that conversation in to a valuable career networking conversation. READ MORE

Over the holiday period there is good chance you are going to attend one or two social gatherings where family and friends are likely to ask you what your plans are now that you have graduated. Over 50% of the people we work with find their role by leveraging their networks and a BBQ with family and friends is an excellent opportunity to tell people about your plans and to explore how your network can help you. They may not have a job for you but they may know someone who can help you.

It works for young people who are clear about what they want to do but also those who are still trying to figure out the right path for them.

But networking starts with a great BBQ Pitch. A BBQ Pitch is statement is a succinct and persuasive description of themselves that can be used to explain what career you are interested in or what areas you are exploring.

It should tell the person what you are looking for, why and what you have to offer.

Here are 5 tips to creating a great BBQ Pitch

  1. A good pitch BBQ Pitch should tell the listener:
  • Who are you
  • What do you do or what you are interested in
  • What are you looking for
  • What you have to offer
  1. Keep it short and succinct. A BBQ pitch is sometimes referred to as a elevator pitch because it can be shared in the time it takes to ride an elevator.
  2. Write it down and practice saying it our loud. You want it to sound authentic so by saying it out loud you can tinker with the words if it doesn’t sound like a natural conversation.
  3. Be confident. You are trying to make a positive impression and show off your value as a potential employee so look the person in the eye, smile and talk in an upbeat and confident way.
  4. Ask a question about them. It could be about what they do, how they chose that career path or even what recommendations they would have for someone at the start of their career journey