<< CAREER & TALENT >> At Career Day Tech we invited pitch expert and coach Neal Greenspan, founder of Pitch Ninja. According to Neal, the ability to communicate who you are — quickly and compellingly — is one of the most powerful tools you can develop in your career. With up to 80% of all jobs never advertised, the hidden job market belongs to those who can make memorable first impressions and form real human connections.
People hire people.
And Neal reminds us that one third of employers know within the first 90 seconds whether they’re likely to hire someone.
“Your pitch is your chance to stand out”, he says.
Crafting Your Personal Pitch
Your personal pitch should be short, sharp, and tailored — ideally 30–60 seconds.
The purpose is not to tell your whole story. The purpose is to spark curiosity.
A strong pitch should:
✔ Communicate your uniqueness
What makes you different? What do you bring that others don’t?
✔ Be tailored to the audience
Different people care about different things. Customize based on who you’re speaking to. Prepare several different pitches you can use.
✔ Focus on your value proposition
Talk less about what you want and more about what you can contribute in the future.
✔ Include storytelling
Use a short example that shows your strengths in action — stories stick.
✔ Highlight your adaptability
Show you can learn quickly, solve problems, and adjust to new environments.
✔ Stay rooted in your professional life
Keep your pitch focused on your capabilities.
How to Prepare for a Career Fair or Networking Event
Showing up is not enough. Preparation shapes confidence — and confidence supports connection.
1. Do your research
Know which companies or people will attend. Identify who you want to meet and why.
2. Practice your pitch
Not to sound perfect, but to feel natural. Don’t get hung up on exact wording, focus on clarity.
3. Understand the problems you solve
Be ready to explain how you create value for clients, teams, or projects.
4. Be clear about your goals
What do you want to learn? Who do you want to connect with? What kinds of roles are you exploring?
5. Come prepared
Carry your CV, LinkedIn QR code, or portfolio. Prepare a few questions to ask.
What to Do During the Event
Neal’s advice is simple: be personal and personable. People remember how you made them feel.
✔ Be approachable
Smile, make eye contact, and show openness. Being warm is more important than being perfect.
✔ Focus on quality, not quantity
It’s better to make three meaningful connections than twenty forgettable ones.
✔ Ask genuine questions
Curiosity builds trust. Show that you care about the person, not just the opportunity.
✔ Adapt in the moment
If the energy shifts, or if someone seems particularly interested in one aspect of your background, follow that thread.
✔ Keep the conversation human
Relate, reflect, and engage. Networking is a dialogue, not a monologue.
After the Event: The Follow-Up
Following up is where interest becomes opportunity.
- Send a short thank-you message
- Mention something specific you discussed
- Reconnect on LinkedIn
- Offer value if you can — a thought, an article, a connection
Small actions create big impressions.
To sum up…
Neal Greenspan’s approach to pitching and networking is rooted in authenticity, clarity, and connection. A great pitch is short, tailored, and focused on your value. A great networking experience is built on curiosity, preparation, and real conversations.
If you master these skills, you’re not just navigating the hidden job market —
you’re opening doors others never see.
