How to Impress an IMLP Recruiter

Potential IMLPs (or anyone else looking to land a job), pay close attention. I'm going to teach you a trick that will make you look like a rockstar at the next job fair you attend. It's called an "elevator pitch."

While I'm pretty sure the elevator pitch wasn't invented by GE, we're definitely big fans of it. Here's the basic idea: pretend you just got in an elevator with a GE recruiter / hiring manager / CEO Jeff Immelt. He or she turns to you and asks "Who are you? Why should I give you a job?" You now have the rest of the 30-second elevator ride to answer those two questions.

Although this exchange may not actually happen in an elevator (or with our CEO), it's still a good idea to have an elevator pitch prepared to answer those two questions. When a recruiter at a job fair or reception asks you what you're looking for, which is the better response?

"Umm, I'm looking for a job."

OR

"Hi, my name is John Smith. I'm a senior in Computer and Information Science here at State University. I'm especially interested in database design and Java programming, and I founded a student organization last year for CIS majors interested in the open source movement. I was wondering if you could tell me a little more about your program and whether I would be a good candidate. Here is a copy of my resume."

Before your next career fair, spend a few minutes jotting something down. Who are you? Why should I give you a job?