How To Create An Elevator Pitch

An elevator pitch is a quick synopsis of your background and experience. The reason it’s called an elevator pitch is because it should be short enough to present during a brief elevator ride. This speech is all about you: who you are, what you do, and what you want to do (if you’re job hunting).

When To Use Your Elevator Pitch

If you’re job searching, you can use your elevator pitch at job fairs and career expos, or online in your LinkedIn summary. An elevator speech is a great way to gain confidence in introducing yourself to hiring managers and company representatives. You can also use it at networking events.

Your elevator pitch can be used during job interviews, especially when you’re asked about yourself. Interviewers often begin with the question, “Tell me about yourself” — think of your elevator pitch as a super-condensed version of your response to the request.

What To Say In An Elevator Pitch

Your elevator speech should be brief. Restrict the speech to 30-60 seconds. You don’t need to include your entire work history and career objectives. Your pitch should be a short recap of who you are and what you do.

You need to be persuasive. Even though it’s a short pitch, your elevator speech should be compelling enough to spark the listener’s interest in your idea, organization, or background.

Practice, practice, practice. The best way to feel comfortable about giving an elevator speech is to practice it until the speed and “pitch” come naturally, without sounding robotic. You will get used to varying the conversation as you practice doing so. The more you practice, the easier it will be to deliver it when you’re at a career networking event or job interview.

If you feel like you still need help with your elevator pitch, reach out! Resume@mriz.net