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Picture this: you’re walking down the street, and suddenly you run into an old friend or colleague. You’re on your way to a job interview, perhaps, so you’ve got to run, but you have about two minutes to catch up. Your friend asks you what kind of position you’re looking for, and you have a whopping 30 seconds to give your spiel.

This isn’t an uncommon scenario. You constantly run into people – at the grocery store, in line for a movie, in an elevator, etc. – whom you’re acquainted with, and who may very well be able to help you out in your job search. But how do you prioritize what you tell them so that you can maximize their chances of helping you? Here’s what you should make sure to mention…

A Specific Job

You don’t have time to beat around the bush. You need to know exactly what you want, so they know exactly what you want. Don’t waste time waffling on this one.

A Few Qualities

Name a few things you’ve done that would qualify you for the job you’re looking for. This lets that person know that you are qualified, and also gives them a better idea of what sort of position would be right for you when they are on the lookout.

Ask for Help

Do they know of any jobs that are available? Do they have a friend at a company you’re interested in? Do they have any valuable advice? Don’t be afraid to ask for what you want outright. You don’t have time, so you need to cut to the chase. Moreover, asking for help allows the conversation to continue beyond your short run-in.

Stay in Touch

If the person doesn’t have your contact information, give them a business card, and more importantly, ask for theirs as well. Make sure you follow up with them within the next couple days.

And here are a few examples of what NOT to do…

DON’T Deliver an Oral Resume

As mentioned before, a few qualities or things you have done will do. No one will remember the fine details of your employment history, and frankly, you’ll be wasting your time. Doing so will also convey that you are desperate for a job and for this person’s help when you need to maintain a conversational tone and interest in that other person.

DON’T Complain

Don’t launch into some diatribe about how your last boss was a good-for-nothing schmuck, or how the company you worked for was a joke. This puts the person you’re speaking to in an awkward position. Stay positive and they will be more likely to want to help you.

DON’T Recite

While it’s a great idea to write down what you want to say and practice it, don’t let on to the other person that this is what you have done. If you do, you will sound like an opportunist and the conversation will feel awkward and feigned. Be as conversational as possible.

In this day and age, it’s perfectly normal to deliver a 30 second resume. Everyone has been affected by the terrible economy, and so others will be empathetic towards your pitch and do their best to help you out. Just remember to help them out by being pleasant and succinct, and they will be better equipped to lend you valuable assistance.

Have a good one,

The Doostang Team