Developing a 30-Second Commercial
What is it?
One of the keys to successful interviewing and networking is to make a really strong first impression, and one of
the first opportunities to make this impression is very often the result of responding to the question “Tell me about yourself.” The answer: your personal “commercial.” It is essentially an overview of your experience, skills, strengths, accomplishments and goals – all in 30 seconds!
The key to making satisfying life choices is being aware of the things you already know about yourself and the world, and using this acquired insight when faced with an opportunity, a crossroads or a new field.
Developing a 30-Second Commercial
What is it?
One of the keys to successful interviewing and networking is to make a really strong first impression, and one of
the first opportunities to make this impression is very often the result of responding to the question “Tell me about yourself.” The answer: your personal “commercial.” It is essentially an overview of your experience, skills, strengths, accomplishments and goals – all in 30 seconds!
The key to making satisfying life choices is being aware of the things you already know about yourself and the world, and using this acquired insight when faced with an opportunity, a crossroads or a new field.
An individual with a disability is defined by the ADA as:
• A person who has a physical or mental impairment that substantially limits one or more major life
activities (e.g. walking, talking, learning, chronic illness),
• A person who has a history or record of such an impairment (even if they do not currently have a
disability, e.g. cancer survivors), or
• A person who is perceived or regarded by others as having such an impairment
Interested in getting experience at a startup? Here are a couple great places to start!
Proactive Networking
Successful entrepreneurship is all about successful networking, which means you should be doing it too! Most startups include the contact information of their founders and employees on their websites. Reach out and ask for a conversation in-person, over the phone, or virtually to introduce yourself and
learn more!
An individual with a disability is defined by the ADA as:
• A person who has a physical or mental impairment that substantially limits one or more major life
activities (e.g. walking, talking, learning, chronic illness),
• A person who has a history or record of such an impairment (even if they do not currently have a
disability, e.g. cancer survivors), or
• A person who is perceived or regarded by others as having such an impairment
Interested in getting experience at a startup? Here are a couple great places to start!
Proactive Networking
Successful entrepreneurship is all about successful networking, which means you should be doing it too! Most startups include the contact information of their founders and employees on their websites. Reach out and ask for a conversation in-person, over the phone, or virtually to introduce yourself and
learn more!
Under “Employer” write down the skills, experiences, and values the employer seeks in an applicant. Under “Applicant” write down the specific skills and experiences you have that match the needs of your preferred industry. Think about soft skills (e.g. teamwork, communication, leadership), technical skills, and relevant experiences.
Portfolios are organized collections of images [e.g. graphic design examples, web design work, photography], writing samples, information, awards and acknowledgements that reflect your professional skills, experiences and accomplishments. Portfolios can either be online or kept in a professional binder. Hard
copy portfolios should have section dividers and cover sleeves, and reflect your best work [not all of your work].
Portfolios should be organized by skill, intuitive to the viewer and easy to explain during a job interview or networking opportunity. Many portfolios contain professional reels to illustrate skill in media production or performance.
The Holland Code is the name applied to a vocational theory developed by Dr. John Holland. He conducted research, developed theory, and applied practical career interventions to develop career instruments grounded in psychology.
The focus of the six categories of the Holland Code helps the user see how personality and environment influence career choice. The highest occupational interests of an individual are most commonly represented in a two- to three-letter code.
One of the benefits of measuring interests is achieving greater satisfaction in the work environment. The Holland Code can be applied to understanding your interests in multiple settings, including academic, leisure, and career. If you’d like to take the Strong Interest Inventory, which uses the Holland Code, please schedule an appointment with a career counselor by calling 919.660.1050.
1. Career Center
Job Search Strategy
50% of your time will involve networking.
How will you spend the rest of your time?
Networking
Duke Career Center • studentaffairs.duke.edu/career • 919-660-1050 •
Bay 5, Smith Warehouse, 2nd Floor • 114 S. Buchanan Blvd., Box 90950, Durham, NC 27708
2. Action Steps
In order to apply what I have learned in today’s workshop, I will:
Duke Career Center • studentaffairs.duke.edu/career • 919-660-1050 • Bay 5, Smith Warehouse, 2nd Floor •
114 S. Buchanan Blvd., Box 90950, Durham, NC 27708
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