How to Perfect Your Elevator Pitch

An elevator pitch is a 30-second speech used to summarize who you are, your job history, and your career goals. Although 30-seconds may not seem like enough, the point is to leave a great impression, or to spark a conversation. With a short-amount of time, make your speech as rich and clear as possible.

The most important step is to identify what you want to accomplish with your elevator pitch. Some examples include to:

Get a job

Make a sale

Promote your business

When developing your elevator pitch, consider the various audience types you may encounter. Though the speech is about you, it’s for them. For example, if you are looking for an engineering position, use keywords that would attract other engineers. Use relevant language, attributes, and examples to keep them engaged.

You just had a drop-the-mike moment and presented yourself impeccably. Now what? End your pitch with a question, or a request that will keep the conversation going.

Review your elevator pitch and practice out loud to catch anything that may sound off or irrelevant. Practice with friends or family to get a second opinion on what you could improve. Make sure that over time, your elevator pitch comes naturally and you don’t sound like a robot while delivering it. Once you feel comfortable with it, don’t be afraid to start using it. Even if you mess it up the first time, practice does make perfect.

“I’m currently studying education at [college]. One of my greatest strengths is my ability to make the conceptual practical and I’m interested in securing an entry-level role at a nonprofit that allows me to teach and develop curriculum. Because nonprofit programs and fellowships were a key part of my development, it’s important for me to pay it forward and help students develop to their highest potential. ” -Retrieved from Idealist Careers

“My name is Josh Paul. I am a graduating senior from [x] University. I am looking for an internship in a law firm this summer. I have had a strong interest in the law since I first enrolled in college and have participated in several seminars of constitutional and corporate law. Although those seminars were ungraded, I have maintained a 3.4 GPA while also participating in several extra curricular activities including the Pre-law society. If your firm offers internships, I would appreciate an introduction to the people in charge of that program. Alternatively, I would appreciate the opportunity to give you a call and/or meet with you in person to discuss your career path and how I might find opportunities within the legal profession.” – Retrieved from Salisbury University

“If you are looking for the best accounting firm in the city, look no further. My accounting firm has a solid track record of balancing books in about half the time of our competitors. If you examine our records, you will notice that we are virtually error-free. Furthermore, I have hired the best and the brightest to represent my firm and we have introduced ideas to our clients that have saved them thousands of dollars. We have outstanding references, all of whom would testify that our firm has worked incredible wonders for their company. In six years, we have not lost a single client. I am sure that we can raise the bar for your company.” -Retrieved from YourPersonalBrand

“I like to shine from behind the scenes. I am an office support professional with experience managing Marketing Programs and Initiatives for the manufactured consumer products industry. Being the people person that I am, I enjoy being hands-on in getting to know what the customer wants/needs and then working within company guidelines to make it happen. If you have the time, I’d be thrilled to share more about my background.” – Retrieved from YourPersonalBrand