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Your Positioning Statement: Essential!


A positioning statement is a short, professional pitch you can use to give people an idea of your skills and aspirations. It is also the best way to answer the question that starts off most hiring interviews: “Could you tell me about yourself?”

Employers want to hear it

Are you looking to expand your professional network or find a job? Note. When you first meet a recruiter, they aren’t interested in hearing bland statements, such as “I am looking for an internship” or “I’d like to work for you.” In general, they want to hear about who you are and what makes you different.

With a pitch, you can present yourself in 30 to 60 seconds. You can include information about your training, your experience, what sets you apart, your career objective, your interest in the company, etc.

When to use it

  • Recruiting or networking events
  • Speed Interviewing
  • Any unplanned situation where you need to present yourself as a professional or future professional.

That's why it’s a good idea to prepare your positioning statement well before you actually need to use it.

What it must include

Your short-, medium- and long-term career objectives.

What it can include

Anything that makes your career objective more credible

  • Education
  • Professional Experience
  • Achievements
  • Interests
  • Involvement
  • Hobbies
  • Transferable skills
  • Etc.

End with a question

Your pitch should end with a good question, which will prompt the other person to continue the conversation with you.

Example 1

Hello. My name is Simon. I am about to graduate from HEC Montréal with a master’s in strategy.

I have been very interested in consulting for a few years. I have been a member of the Management Consulting Club for two years and have worked for several SMEs.

I have managed to maintain a GPA of 3.7 out of 4.3, despite my other work and my leading role in the Graduate Student Association.

Last year, I met Antoine Simard, one of your colleagues who graduated from HEC Montréal as well. He told me about his experience and about what you are looking for in an applicant. He encouraged me to attend the recruiting event this year.

I am very interested in your company’s work. Tell me, does your firm intend to continue in this direction, or do you plan to diversify your projects?

Example 2

Hello! My name is Lindsay. I am about to graduate from HEC Montréal with a bachelor’s in marketing.

I always have new ideas. I like to take on challenges and motivate others to do so as well. Last term, I started a project in... that got such good results that my team won the Best New Project Award at the ... Gala.

I also have experience in sales and customer service. I know that is something you’re looking for in a candidate.

I found your presentation really interesting, particularly when you spoke about your rotation programs.

Could you tell me more about your innovation program? About the team that’s working on this program?

Need help?

Career Management Services offers many individual services and workshops to help you network and find jobs.