The Art of the Elevator Pitch
Crafting a stand-out elevator pitch.
Who, What, When, Where & HOW!
An elevator pitch is often used when you are first meeting someone and is a short introduction that expresses who you are. In the case of a job search, it should also briefly express some of your relevant background and interest in the organization and/or position. Let’s get you started!
Keep Reading to Learn:
- When and where to use your pitch
- Content topics typically associated with the elevator pitch
- A short sample to reference as you craft your own pitch!
When do you need one?
Two of the most common places you'll use your elevator pitch are at job fairs and networking events. You can also think of it as the answer to the interview question "Tell me about yourself." Really, any time you're meeting someone for the first time is a good situation for an elevator pitch!
TIP:
If you're at a job fair or networking event, you'll also want to work on perfecting the art of offering someone your resume and asking for a business card or LinkedIn connection as a part of your pitch.
Components of an Elevator Pitch
Establish Professionalism
Be engaged in the conversation and demonstrate positive body language, which includes: smiling, maintaining eye contact, a firm handshake, good posture.
General Interests & Activities
You can include some personal information, like where you're from, a little about your family or hobbies, favorite sports teams, etc.
Academic Background
Be sure to tell them about your academic background. What degree you are completing and program you're studying, and perhaps connect that to the industries and careers you're interested in.
Additional Involvement
Describe select extracurricular and volunteer activities. Tell them about things like clubs you're in, study abroad experience, leadership positions, athletics, etc.
Relevant Skills
Be sure to speak about your work experiences and some of the relevant skills you have gained.
What do you want to learn?
It's helpful to wrap up an elevator pitch by letting them know why you're talking to them, or perhaps by asking them a question!
Establish Professionalism
Establish Professionalism
Be engaged in the conversation and demonstrate positive body language, which includes: smiling, maintaining eye contact, a firm handshake, good posture.
General Interests & Activities
General Interests & Activities
You can include some personal information, like where you're from, a little about your family or hobbies, favorite sports teams, etc.
Academic Background
Academic Background
Be sure to tell them about your academic background. What degree you are completing and program you're studying, and perhaps connect that to the industries and careers you're interested in.
Additional Involvement
Additional Involvement
Describe select extracurricular and volunteer activities. Tell them about things like clubs you're in, study abroad experience, leadership positions, athletics, etc.
Relevant Skills
Relevant Skills
Be sure to speak about your work experiences and some of the relevant skills you have gained.
What do you want to learn?
What do you want to learn?
It's helpful to wrap up an elevator pitch by letting them know why you're talking to them, or perhaps by asking them a question!
Sample Elevator Pitch
I grew up in a small town in Northwestern Minnesota with my two brothers. I came to the University of St. Thomas because of its size and proximity to the Twin Cities. I knew I wanted to be able to experience city life and see more of my favorite sports teams (the Minnesota Twins and Wild) in action!
In my first year of College, I took a Psychology class, and I really enjoyed learning about the complexity of human interactions and relationships, but I also knew I loved the idea of working in a business setting. I explored some different majors and ultimately landed on Human Resources. I joined the Society of Human Resources Management on campus and am currently the Vice President. I've been loving it so far, and have even been able to spend some time working in the University's Human Resources Office, getting more exposure to the field.
I understand that you work in training and development, and that's an area I've been able to help out with at work and have really gotten curious about. Would you mind telling me more about what you do?
Your introduction expresses who you are and what you have to offer an employer.
Point out what makes you unique as a candidate, your “hook.”
Be conversational, try not to sound robotic, like a rehearsed speech you have delivered 10 times.
Practice your introduction aloud - more than once!
Craft Your Elevator Pitch
A Little Bit of Personal:
Educational:
Involvement, Leadership, Volunteer, Athletics, Study Abroad, Etc.:
Work, Internship, Etc.:
Wrap it up:
Next Steps
- Draft your pitch
- Ask for feedback from a career educator in the Career Development Center or mentor or advisor
- Rehearse for different scenarios with different people
- Be flexible as your pitch may change based on who you engage with