You in 160 Characters or Less

Career and business coaches suggest that you perfect your "elevator pitch" because you never know when you'll find yourself in front of a potential employer. So now that you've boiled your professional experience or idea down to 30 seconds or 100-150 words, along comes a new wrinkle in the recruitment field that is sure to challenge you even more.

Teimlo, a U.K. mobile content provider, decided to match form with function. They were filling an opening by inviting candidates to apply via text message limited to 160 characters. Short-listed candidates were invited to make a further submission. More employers may soon be using this format as an initial employment screen, so it's time to warm up those thumbs!

In times of high unemployment, employers are inundated with applications. It's more important than ever to make sure you talk to the value you bring to a potential employer.

"Putting your best foot forward, as quickly and efficiently as possible is key. As EDGE consultants, you have very specific, marketable skill sets and we are continually working to better communicate those to potential clients. As you work on better ways to present yourself, creating an elevator statement about yourself and what you can deliver will give you a competitive advantage in an interview," said Larry Carter, EDGE Recruiting Manager.

© 2009 by TechServe Alliance (formerly NACCB). All rights reserved.