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How to Create an Elevator Pitch with Examples

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How to Write a Perfect Elevator Speech

What’s an elevator pitch, and how can it help your career? An elevator pitch —also known as an elevator speech—is a quick synopsis of your background and experience. The reason it’s called an elevator pitch is that 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).

Your elevator pitch is a way to share your expertise and credentials quickly and effectively with people who don’t know you.

Done right, this short speech helps you introduce yourself to career and business connections in a compelling way. It can help you  build your network , land a job, or connect with new colleagues on your first day of work.

When and How to Use an Elevator Speech

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

You can also use your elevator pitch to introduce yourself at  networking events  and mixers. If you’re  attending professional association programs  and activities, or any other type of gathering, have your pitch ready to share with those you meet.

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 that request.

What to Say

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.

Share your skills.  Your elevator pitch should explain who you are and what qualifications and  skills  you have. Try to focus on assets that add value in many situations. This is your chance to brag a bit — avoid sounding boastful, but do share what you bring to the table.

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.

Practice giving your speech to a friend or recording it. This will help you know whether you’re keeping within the time limit and giving a coherent message.

Be positive and flexible.  You often aren’t interviewing for a specific position when you deliver your pitch, so you want to appear open-minded and flexible. Don’t lead with the stuff you’d rather not be doing. (For example, if you don’t want to travel a lot for work, that’s completely legitimate – but you needn’t volunteer that information right off the bat.) This is your chance to make a  great first impression  with a potential employer. Don’t waste it.

Mention your goals.  You don’t need to get too specific. An overly targeted goal isn’t helpful since your pitch will be used in many circumstances, and with many different types of people. But do remember to say what you’re looking for. For instance, you might say, “a role in accounting” or “an opportunity to apply my sales skills to a new market” or “to relocate to San Francisco with a job in this same industry.”

Know your audience, and speak to them.  In some cases, using jargon can be a powerful move — it demonstrates your industry knowledge. But be wary of using jargon during an elevator pitch, particularly if you’re speaking to recruiters, who may find the terms unfamiliar and off-putting. Keep it simple and focused.

Have a business card ready.  If you have a business card, offer it at the end of the conversation as a way to continue the dialog. If you don’t, you could offer to use your smartphone to share your contact information. A copy of your resume, if you’re at a job fair or a professional networking event, will also demonstrate your enthusiasm and preparedness.

What Not to Say and Do During Your Elevator Speech

Don’t speak too fast.  Yes, you only have a short time to convey a lot of information. But don’t try to fix this dilemma by speaking quickly. This will only make it hard for listeners to absorb your message.

Avoid rambling.  This is why it’s so important to practice your elevator speech. While you don’t want to over-rehearse, and subsequently sound stilted, you also don’t want to have unfocused or unclear sentences in your pitch, or get off-track. Give the person you’re talking to an opportunity to interject or respond.

Don’t frown, or speak in a monotone way. Here’s one of the downsides to rehearsing: it can leave you more focused on remembering the exact words you want to use, and less on how you’re carrying yourself. Keep your energy level high, confident, and enthusiastic. Modulate your voice to keep listeners interested, keep your facial expression friendly, and smile .

Don’t restrict yourself to a single elevator pitch.  Maybe you’re interested in pursuing two fields — public relations and content strategy. Many of your communication skills will apply to both those fields, but you’ll want to tailor your pitch depending on who you are speaking to. You may also want to have a more casual, personal pitch prepared for social settings.

Elevator Pitch Examples

Use these examples as guidelines in crafting your own elevator pitch. Make sure your speech includes details on your background, as well as what you’d provide an employer with:

• I recently graduated from college with a degree in communications. I worked on the college newspaper as a reporter, and eventually, as the editor of the arts section. I’m looking for a job that will put my skills as a journalist to work.
• I have a decade’s worth of experience in accounting, working primarily with small and midsize firms. If your company is ever in need of an extra set of hands, I’d be thrilled to consult.
• My name is Bob, and after years of working at other dentists’ offices, I’m taking the plunge and opening my own office. If you know anyone who’s looking for a new dentist, I hope you’ll send them my way!
• I create illustrations for websites and brands. My passion is coming up with creative ways to express a message, and drawing illustrations that people share on social media.
• I’m a lawyer with the government, based out of D.C. I grew up in Ohio, though, and I’m looking to relocate closer to my roots, and join a family-friendly firm. I specialize in labor law and worked for ABC firm before joining the government.
• My name is Sarah, and I run a trucking company. It’s a family-owned business, and we think the personal touch makes a big difference to our customers. Not only do we guarantee on-time delivery, but my father and I personally answer the phones, not an automated system.

Key Takeaways

• KEEP IT SHORT AND SWEET: Your elevator speech is a sales pitch. Be sure you can deliver your message in 60 seconds or less.
• FOCUS ON THE ESSENTIALS: Say who you are, what you do, and what you want to achieve.
• BE POSITIVE AND PERSUASIVE: Your time is limited. Focus on what you want to do, not what you don’t want to do. Be upbeat and flexible.
• PRACTICE, PRACTICE, PRACTICE: Deliver your speech to a friend or record it, so that you can be sure that your message is clear.

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Writing an elevator pitch about yourself: a how-to plus tips

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Why write an elevator pitch?

When to give an elevator pitch about yourself, how to write an elevator pitch about yourself: 5 steps.

How to deliver an elevator pitch about yourself

Pitch with confidence

Sometimes, you only have 30 seconds to make yourself stand out.

Whether you’re at a networking event, job interview, or career fair, you need to make a good first impression to gain your audience’s interest. Everyone has their own agenda. You must make the most of their time by providing them with all the information they need to understand who you are and what you offer. That’s where a personal elevator pitch comes in.

An elevator pitch, or elevator speech, is a concise explanation of your professional or personal brand. You write and memorize one you can deliver like a speech when the time is right. It usually lasts less than a minute — or about the time it takes to ride an elevator.

Creating and presenting an elevator pitch about yourself forces you to consider your strengths, describe your skills with brevity, and remember why you’re an asset.

Even though it’s a small sample size of you and your ideas, an elevator pitch can leave a lasting impression. It only takes a few milliseconds for someone to judge your character . If you use your time wisely with a well-prepared pitch, you’ll make your mark. 

You can also use an elevator pitch to encourage an emotional response from your audience. As Maya Angelou said , “People will forget what you said, people will forget what you did, but people will never forget how you made them feel.”

Psychology backs this up: emotional memories are often more powerful and long-lasting . If your elevator pitch includes a brief anecdote from your childhood that resonates with your audience, for example, they might remember who you are and what you offer long after the interaction. 

And because you’re meant to pull out an elevator pitch at a moment’s notice and make it concise, crafting one is a great way to learn to efficiently present your thoughts. Creating one can help you develop your writing, editing, and communication skills , among others. You’ll also develop research skills since you should customize every pitch to your audience or the networking event.

Drafting a personal elevator pitch is also an opportune time to affirm your value. If you experience imposter syndrome , or the feeling that you’re not good enough or prepared as well as you should be, brainstorming what makes you or your product valuable convinces you of this as well.

You can treat drafting, practicing, and delivery as a self-affirmation process that reminds you of your worth. Lastly, writing an elevator pitch is a fantastic time to discover any kinks in your business model. If you’re just starting out with a business idea, you can begin the brainstorming process by jotting down a one-minute speech about your offering.

Then, go off of this information to note any shortfalls, risks, and issues with your idea. This will help you develop a more comprehensive and thoughtful business plan to move forward with.

Some pitch-worthy situations are subtle, like when a professional in your industry starts chatting you up at your kid’s favorite park. Others are more obvious, like in an interview when asked , “Tell me about yourself.”

Here are some more settings that are perfect for delivering a pitch about yourself:

• Networking events : The purpose of networking opportunities is to connect with like-minded professionals. Use these events to broaden your circle and share your offering with as many people as possible.
• Job interviews: Typically right at the start, a recruiter or hiring manager will ask you to briefly describe yourself and your career up to that point. They usually want more than a reminder of your cover letter and resume , instead hoping to gain a well-rounded summary of your work ethic , personality, and employee strengths .
• LinkedIn professional summary and messages: Your professional social media presence speaks volumes about who you are and what you’re capable of. Make your LinkedIn profile reflect your offering and differentiators to increase the chance viewers consider you for opportunities.
• Career fairs: A career fair tests your ability to carry small talk and practice your elevator pitch. If you’re trying to land a job, you might consider creating a networking plan to execute at a job fair. To take some pressure off, remember that employers want you to be the one — they're looking for a good match for their organization and hope every person they encounter is it.
• Reunions: Be it a “Class of '09” school get together or a professional dinner for previous colleagues, reunions can be valuable networking opportunities in disguise. You never know what industry your high school best mate ended up in — and whether he might have the resources necessary to help you climb the corporate ladder of your choosing.

Your elevator pitch should be straight to the point, error-free, and compelling enough that they remember you. After reading or hearing about your expertise and offering, they should know precisely the opportunities they ought to keep you in mind for. 

Follow these five steps to craft your personal proposal.

1. Explain who you are

Start by introducing yourself — your name and current profession. Then find a couple key explanatory words to describe yourself further, perhaps altering your word choices to your audience.

If you’re a graphic designer, you might say, “Hey, I’m [name], a graphic designer focusing on search-engine-optimized websites. But really, I love any project that gets the creative juices flowing.” The listener now knows your name, what you do, your specialty, and that you’re a creative individual who might take on any fun project that comes your way. 

2. Explain what you want

Next, get to the point of what you want. If you’re looking for funding for your startup, say so — right off the bat. People appreciate transparency , so being honest puts you in a good light right away. You also can only gain what you ask for, and mentioning your needs immediately ensures you share this information before they lose interest. 

3. Explain what makes you unique

Your unique selling point depends on what you’re selling and could be anything from a great accomplishment, unique product feature you worked to create, or an interesting hobby.

If you’re trying to make a good impression on a coworker, you might express interest in an activity you know they enjoy. And if you’re pitching yourself to a hiring manager, you might note an employee strength that perfectly suits a role they’re hiring for. 

4. Create a call to action (CTA)

A CTA is an action you prompt the reader or listener to take after an interaction. When an email ends with a “Sign up for our newsletter!” button, that’s a CTA. 

In most situations, the best elevator pitches end with a CTA to keep the momentum going and spur engagement from your audience. You might direct them to check out your website or look at a demo you’ve sent. Or you might simply leave them with your contact information, like on a business card, and extend the offer for them to reach out. And you can let them know you’ll follow up to show your proactivity and care. 

But sometimes, like in a job interview, you won’t close a pitch with a CTA. Instead, you can simply leave them on the intriguing note of your unique differentiator.

5. Edit what you’ve written

Editing helps you condense information and ensure only the most important bits remain. Grammar and spelling errors also seem unprofessional so you can make a better impression if your work is error-free. 

If your pitch is verbal, you can still edit the content you memorize, reading it aloud several times to catch sticky areas or confusing sentences.

How to deliver an elevator pitch about yourself 

As Malcolm Gladwell argued, it takes 10,000 hours to perfect any craft . You likely won’t require this much time to write and memorize a great elevator pitch, but practice helps. You’ll feel more confident and comfortable knowing you won’t forget any details.

Here are five tips to help you deliver a fantastic personal pitch. 

1. Speak naturally and articulately 

For verbal pitches, your delivery is just as important as its content. You don’t want to sound like a pushy salesperson — even though you’re selling yourself. And you want them to understand your words well so they catch important information.

If you animate some of the highlights of your speech by adjusting your intonation or adding emotion, they might retain this information more because you’ve increased their engagement. 

When deciding how to deliver a pitch, work on cultivating welcoming body language but respecting their personal space. You should also make eye contact to keep them listening and try to convey a calm and relaxed demeanor to show them your confidence .

2. Tweak your pitches

Make your pitch more effective by customizing it to your audience. This builds rapport and shows you respect their time and aren’t simply delivering a generic speech. Instead, you’ve taken the time to research who they are, their interests, and how you might fit into their plans.

If delivering this pitch during a job interview, use language from the job description to show you’re a great fit. And if introducing yourself at a networking event, include industry-specific achievements those around you might care about.

3. Take it slow

While you have a lot you want to say in 30–60 seconds, don’t rush through your pitch. This makes it difficult for the listener to catch important details (like what you do or offer) and makes you seem nervous. You also want them to become engaged in your pitch — asking questions is the best outcome because this means the conversation can continue and you can provide even more information. 

Slowing down requires practice. Deliver your speech to a trusted friend or coworker and ask for feedback about your speed. Once they approve of a certain pace, figure out how long it takes for you to deliver it that way and practice always reaching that allotted time. 

You can also practice breathing exercises to train yourself to deliver comfortably. Your vocal power, tone, and pace are all connected to your ability to control your breathing and, therefore, your pulse . Breathing exercises also help control anxiety (the jitters) and allow you to focus on what matters — making a good impression.

4. Engage with a question

Ending your speech with a question is a fantastic way to keep the conversation going and show interest in your audience instead of just talking about yourself. You might ask a hiring manager if they could tell you more about the company’s origin story, for example, or a fellow industry professional about what their career path has looked like thus far.

5. Avoid rambling

You’ll typically ramble if you’re nervous or your thoughts are disorganized, and this is especially likely if you haven’t practiced your pitch and feel put on the spot. But rambling means you’ve lost the story’s point — and so will your audience. You’ll likely focus on unimportant details, missing the highlights you need your listener to remember. 

The best way to avoid rambling is to practice your pitch. And if you expect you’ll need to sell yourself on the spot in situations where you can’t prepare, like a large networking event, you can memorize several key points about yourself to make conversing easier.

If you notice yourself rambling, don’t fret — simply return to your point to strengthen this habit and with time, you’ll rarely lose your train of thought.

Expressing who you are and what you offer can be difficult, but doing so reminds you of your worth and ensures others understand the solutions you provide.

When presenting your personal brand, make sure the elevator pitch about yourself is snappy, informative, and memorable. You’ve got a 30-second elevator ride — and hopefully tons of practice — to get your point across.

If possible, rehearse several versions of your speech so you’re prepared for every occasion. You’ll know how to effectively sell yourself to the interested hiring manager and the distracted investor. And you’ll have gained priceless professional growth , like researching your audience and adjusting your body language and tone of voice to the situation.

Madeline Miles

Madeline is a writer, communicator, and storyteller who is passionate about using words to help drive positive change. She holds a bachelor's in English Creative Writing and Communication Studies and lives in Denver, Colorado. In her spare time, she's usually somewhere outside (preferably in the mountains) — and enjoys poetry and fiction.

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5 Job Interview Elevator Pitch Examples That Exemplify Confidence

• Written By Lindsay Tigar
• Updated: November 15, 2023

It’s the inevitable phrase that comes at the beginning of nearly every job interview: ‘So, tell me about yourself.’ For such a seemingly easy task — talking about who you are and what you do — it can warrant much anxiety.

After all, when you only have a few breaths to pitch your services and expertise, stumbling through your speech can make you look ill-prepared and lacking self-confidence. At the heart of this paragraph are the basics: essential information that’s needed to set up the scene for the interview .

One effective way to think about your elevator pitch (or virtual elevator pitch these days) for a job interview is to ensure it covers these basics:

• Your specialty and industry
• Your experience, in years

When you weave in all of these mentions, you easily illustrate your unique value proposition and you set the tone for the remainder of the interview.

5 Elevator Pitch Examples

Elevator pitches don’t need to be worrisome or stressful, but rather, perceived as your opening pitch. These examples can help inspire your own speech writing and ensure you are prepared for whatever the interviewer throws your way. You got this!

1. For when you’re moving

“I’m [NAME], a lawyer with the government, based out of D.C. I grew up in Ohio, though, and I’m looking to relocate closer to my roots, and join a family-friendly firm. I specialize in labor law and worked for ABC firm before joining the government.”

Why it works: This  to-the-point elevator pitch covers the reasons why you are relocating, while also speaking to your skillset.

2. For when you are hoping to make a move up

“I’m [NAME]. I fell in love with technology after winning a programming contest in eighth grade. That led to a degree in computer science, and I’ve now worked in IT for eight years. I recently wrapped up a contract as a senior data analyst with a big bioinformatics company, and I’m now looking for opportunities with other large medical data organizations.”

Why it works: You’re ready for the next big thing, and you want to ensure you  communicate passion and performance  to get there.

3. For getting their attention

“Hi, my name is Mark. After graduating with my Bachelor’s degree in Business Administration, I’ve spent the last three years building professional experience as an Executive Assistant. I’ve successfully managed end-to-end event coordination and have generated a strong professional network for my colleagues. I was excited to learn about this opportunity in the sports management space — I’ve always been passionate about the way sports brings cultures together and would love the opportunity to bring my project management and leadership abilities to this position.”

Why it works: Whether it’s a recruiter or the hiring manager, this elevator pitch is sure to keep them listening , without going overboard on the information.

4. For snagging the interview

“Hi, I’m [NAME] and I am excited about the new position with your company! I noticed that you are looking for a candidate with ____ years in the field, but let me tell you how my experience has gone above and beyond. In the same amount of time it would take another candidate to learn the ropes at my last position, I was able to raise our success rates right away. I did this by focusing on what really matters in the industry, such as ______, ______ and ______, and I was able to maximize profits in a quick and efficient way. I knew I should make these changes immediately, since I was able to identify what was slowing down their business operations. I can do the same for you in the new position. Here is my resume. Would you be willing to meet with me next week for an official interview?”

Why it works: Before you get through the door, an  elevator pitch  can make your case—especially if you don’t technically have the required years of experience.

5. For entry-level opportunities

“Hi, I’m [NAME]. Now that I have my Bachelor’s degree in Business, as well as a few internship experiences in marketing, I’m ready to contribute to the vision of a cutting-edge hospitality brand. Throughout each of my work experiences, I was often told that I was a very detail-oriented and innovative employee, which I’d love to apply in my next role. In fact, I saw on your website that you’re advertising X. I looked at what your competition is doing, and I saw that they have this interesting campaign doing Y… If I joined the team, I’d look at how we could do something even stronger, such as Z.”

Why it works: It’s never easy getting those first initial interviews when you’re fresh out of college or graduate school. This elevator pitch  puts your internship into perspective and ties them to real-world, applicable scenarios.

Ready to Crush Your Elevator Pitch?

It’s easy to underestimate the challenges of job interviews. These examples should help you stay primed and ready to knock your pitch out of the park. But, if you’re looking for an easier route, working with a proven partner can help. When you join our Talent Network , we do the pitching for you and get you working with top brands that match your expertise.

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Why you need an elevator pitch (plus 6 examples to help you)

Have you ever been put on the spot and had to introduce yourself in a professional setting?

If so, you probably know how hard it can feel to sum up your background and expertise in just a few sentences. That’s where an elevator pitch comes in.

Your elevator pitch tells people in a brief moment who you are, what sets you apart, and where you want to be.

Having an elevator pitch is important, even if you're not actively searching for a job. Being clear about your strengths and goals is helpful – not just for you, but so others can quickly understand if you’re a good fit for an opportunity.

“A strong elevator pitch is important when you are trying to sell yourself to a potential employer, recruiter, client, customer or another contact and when you only have a very short amount of time to make an impact,” says career and interview coach Leah Lambart from Relaunch Me .

“The elevator pitch is particularly important for job seekers, business owners and career changers where they need to sell their story and gain credibility quickly.”

What makes a good elevator pitch, and why do I need one?

It can help to think of your elevator pitch as an “advertisement” about you, says Lambart. That means it needs to be clear and brief, and it needs to sell what’s best about you.

“It communicates who you are, what you’re looking for and what you can offer a company or organisation. This is also often called your ‘USP’ or ‘unique selling proposition’,” she says.

An elevator pitch should be about 30 seconds long – the time it takes people to ride from the top to the bottom of a building in an elevator, hence its name. That means no rambling, and no unnecessary information – just hit the most important details.

But your elevator pitch isn’t just for delivering to captive audiences in lifts.

“The idea behind having an elevator speech is that you are prepared to share this information with anyone, at any time,” says Lambart.

“You can use your elevator pitch in many different scenarios, both in your professional and personal life. For example, at a career fair or a networking event, you can use your speech to introduce yourself to prospective employers and give them your story in a snapshot. In your personal life you might run into a potential contact in the least expected location, such as on a tram ride or even at the dog park if you happen to meet someone that could be a useful connection.”

An elevator pitch isn’t just useful when it’s spoken. The words you come up with can also be used in your resumé, online profiles, or adapted for use in job applications.

Examples of good elevator pitches

No matter what industry you’re in, or how experienced you are, your elevator pitch should have the same four elements:

• Who you are
• What you do
• Your unique selling proposition
• Where you want to go.

Let’s take a look at some industry-specific examples:

I'm an experienced physiotherapist specialising in helping people regain their mobility after injury, and to avoid further injury. I have 10 years of experience in treating professional and amateur sports people, and most recently have been working in a small inner-city practice.

I'm looking for a new opportunity to develop my skills and expertise in this area, with my goal being to join the healthcare team of a professional sports team. What makes me good at what I do is that I take the time to listen to my clients, and treat the whole person, rather than just the injury. I think I’d make a great asset to a sports team that needs a professional and caring physio that can travel with them and invest time in not only treating injuries but preventing them.

I'm a web developer with five years of hands-on experience with a boutique tech agency. My expertise lies in crafting exceptional online experiences and innovative solutions for complex problems.

What sets me apart is not just my proficiency, but also my drive to create user-centric, efficient, and visually appealing websites. I'm on the lookout for an opportunity to bring my creative problem-solving skills to a larger firm with a strong focus on further skills development, an inclusive culture, and management opportunities.

I’ve been working in the financial services industry for 20 years, providing clients with personalised advice since 2012. I have always been passionate about financial education and the way it can empower people to make choices in their lives and achieve their personal goals.

My greatest strength is my ability to develop long-term relationships with clients as I nurture them on their financial journey and see them reaching goals that they would never have thought possible. I would like to bring this experience to a socially responsible organisation that values the long-term journey we can bring our clients on.

I’ve been a dedicated primary school teacher in the state system for the past twelve years. I see teaching as a great privilege, and I never get tired of watching children learn and grow in their confidence to reach their full potential.

I’m seeking a new opportunity to join a school where I can contribute to curriculum development and take on a leadership role, and share my knowledge with a new generation of teachers. My unwavering enthusiasm for teaching, coupled with genuine care for my students and colleagues, is something I think would be of great value to early career teachers.

I’m a retail assistant with two years of experience working in costume jewellery and accessories. I’ve always had a passion for fashion and jewellery, but working in this role has made me realise I’d like to pursue a career in fashion retail management.

My first goal is to secure a full-time fashion retail role where I can learn the ropes and hone my skills in how to run a successful retail store. I’m also enrolled in a part-time retail management course online, which I know will help me develop my skills even further and make me a more valuable employee. I take pride in my customer service skills and creative visual merchandising, and I know I’d be an asset to any retail fashion team.

I'm a third-year hairdressing apprentice specialising in colour – and I’m especially passionate about creating theatrical looks and transformations using colour. I’ve been working with a salon chain for the past two years which has given me solid experience in natural colouring and retail, but I’m keen to level up my skills and experience with an award-winning salon focused on creativity.

I want to learn from the best and challenge myself to achieve great looks for my clients, and also get involved in photo shoots and professional styling. My creative eye and continual researching of latest techniques and looks keeps me up to date with my skills and knowledge. I’d love the chance to bring my passion for fresh colour looks to a well-established salon.

While the six examples above cover a variety of ambition and experience, you can see that the principles are the same. Each pitch is short and to the point, sells the person’s strengths, and clearly states what they’re looking for.

And if you’re delivering your elevator pitch verbally, Lambart has one last piece of advice: memorise and practise!

“It is important to have your speech memorised and practised but to ensure that it still sounds natural,” she says. “You don’t want to sound too scripted or like a robot.

“I recommend rehearsing your 30-second elevator speech with a friend or in front of a mirror. The important thing is to practice it OUT LOUD. You want it to sound natural. Get comfortable with what you have to say so you can breeze through it when the time comes.”

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15 creative elevator pitch examples for every scenario

A good elevator pitch can be the difference between landing your next big opportunity or falling short of the competition. But the reality is, people want to have meaningful conversations without the forced sales pitch. So how do you pitch yourself during a job interview or client meeting with authenticity? 

First things first: What is an elevator pitch?

An elevator pitch, also known as an elevator speech, is an opportunity to share a quick summary of yourself and your product offerings. But a pitch can also be your chance at making a real connection that you can use later down the road. It’s not always an immediate benefit, but you should be prepared for any scenario in which you could be giving an elevator pitch. 

In reality, most people have given an elevator pitch whether they realize it or not. That’s because there are many different types of pitches—from interviews to new business opportunities. That makes preparing for your next pitch an important step in marketing both yourself and your company. 

When it comes to figuring out who to deliver your pitch to, you should aim for the best point of contact, not just the highest point of contact. Choosing connections that are related to or interested in what you’re offering will give you a better chance at making your sale. 

How long should an elevator pitch be?

One of the biggest unknowns about creating sample elevator pitches is how long they should be. In most cases, it will depend on what it’s about and who you’re pitching. A good rule of business etiquette is to make it as short as possible by carefully selecting the most important points. 

A study conducted by Microsoft found that the average person has an attention span of around eight seconds, meaning you’ll have to fight for that undivided attention. That’s no small task. So when it comes to a great elevator pitch, aim to keep it around 30 seconds—though the exact length can vary depending on your industry and what you’re pitching. 

When looking at pitch length based on industry, each one differs to some degree. Let’s take marketing for example. Your pitch opportunities will likely be to customers that come across your brand. And in that case, you have very little time to get your message across—whether it’s text, video, or imagery. But when it comes to sales, you may get the opportunity to expand your elevator pitch past 30 seconds. You will likely have plenty of networking opportunities where people are more than willing to listen to what you have to say. It really just depends on your medium and the audience’s eagerness to listen. 

But what if you can’t cut your elevator pitch down to 30 seconds? It may seem like your brand is too complicated to distill down to such a short timeframe, but if you’re pitching to the right audience you shouldn’t have that problem. Make sure you pitch to people related to your industry or a tangential audience that will be able to interpret your offerings. 

How to write an elevator pitch 

When it comes to writing an elevator pitch, it can be hard to decipher important facts from unimportant ones—this is why knowing how to effectively communicate in the workplace is important in the first place. For example, while it’s good to personalize your communication tactics wherever possible, it’s not necessary to give prospects an entire history lesson on your business. Only the most recent and relevant details should be included. To get started creating your own pitch, you first need to understand the basic components that make up any good elevator pitch.

Introduce yourself

All good pitches start with a short introduction. It could be as simple as stating your name and who you work for if those details apply. But the more personal you can make it, the more natural your elevator pitch will seem. Body language is also an important part of a solid introduction, as is eye contact. Here are a few tips to keep in mind when introducing yourself to a new prospect. 

Greet your audience in a way that’s appropriate for the occasion. Go formal for a business pitch or more casual for a fun event. With business meetings and networking events being held virtually, you’ll need to get creative with your introductions over video chat. You could even start with a lighthearted joke to break the ice. But whatever you do, make sure it’s relevant to your audience. 

Present the problem

All solutions start with a problem. Whatever you or your business is trying to solve, it’s important to get the point across early on in your elevator pitch to set the theme for the rest of your speech. An example problem: coordinating work between teams is chaotic.  

If possible, relate the problem back to your audience by using real-world examples. This will help make the problem more relevant and, hopefully, grab your audience’s attention. If your problem isn’t easy to explain, try using more than one example or a visual to really paint a picture for your audience. 

Offer the solution

If the problem is what draws the audience in, then the solution is what hooks them. This is your time to show them why they need your help. Here’s an example solution: Asana gives teams a system to organize and manage work so they know what to do, why it matters, and how to get it done.

The solution is arguably the most important part of an elevator pitch, so spend time perfecting it. If you’re pitching for a business, it’s likely the quick solution pitch has already been created. But again, it’s always better to personalize your pitch. So don’t be afraid to tweak it to fit your audience. If pitching for yourself, talk about the unique skills you’ve developed and why they would be beneficial to your prospect. 

Explain your value proposition

Now that you’ve piqued your audience’s attention, it’s time to seal the deal by explaining why your solution is better than anyone else's. An example value proposition is: Asana is the only platform that connects goals with the work needed to achieve them. 

The value proposition differs from the solution by focusing on why your audience should use your solution over a competitor’s. If you don’t have that answer just yet, perform a competitive analysis to compare your offerings or look to your executive summary. 

If your market is extremely niche and you don’t have a clear differentiator or significant competition, look to communication and interface capabilities. Consider why your idea or solution is original enough that someone would want to use it.   

Engage the audience

While most of the hard work is done, it’s important to engage your audience with a compliment or question before you part ways. Always err on the side of being genuine rather than delivering a scripted goodbye. 

There is no right or wrong way to engage your audience. While ending with a question can create a dialogue between you and your audience, a genuine compliment can go a long way. Think about what made you want to pitch them in the first place and use that to end the conversation. Lastly, don’t forget to swap contact information, such as a business card, if you don’t already have it. 

A foolproof elevator pitch template

Now that you know the basic components of a pitch, the next step is creating your very own elevator pitch. This template can work for just about any situation, from a job interview to pitching a small business or startup. That’s because we analyzed some of the most famous templates from industry experts—from Harvard research to Guy Kawasaki’s art of pitching—to create a foolproof template that will work in any situation. 

Plug your information into our elevator pitch template to draft a quick speech. While you won’t necessarily recite it word for word, it’s a great model to keep in mind in case you find yourself in a position where you’re not prepared with a personalized pitch.

Whether you’re looking for a pitch template for a job interview or for pitching your business, this template is a foolproof example for any situation you might find yourself in. 

General elevator pitch template

Use our elevator pitch template to start constructing your speech by adding statistics and personalized greetings where needed. This template incorporates the four parts explained above to hit all of the important details of a good elevator pitch. 

Introduction : “Hi I’m [name], a [position title] at [company name]. It’s great to meet you!”

Problem : “Since you work with [company name or industry] I figured you’d be interested to know that [problem + interesting statistic].”

Solution : “The great part about working at [your company’s name] is that we’ve been able to fix just that problem by [solution].”

Value proposition : “In fact, we’re the only company that offers [value proposition].”

CTA : “I think our solution could really help you. Are you available this week to speak further on this?”

Don’t be afraid to change up your pitch template based on your personality and professional expertise. We’ve also included personalized 30-second elevator pitch examples below to inspire personal facts you can add to create a more engaging speech .

30-second elevator pitch examples

Let’s dive into the best 30-second elevator pitch examples to help you create a pitch that’s both engaging and informative. Our examples take inspiration from the four elements included in the template above, to demonstrate how you'd pitch project management software to  increase productivity . Try a few or try them all to find one that best fits your personality and value proposition. 

Example 1: Short and sweet

This example is one of the most common you’ll come across. That doesn’t necessarily mean that it’s the best, but it’s a great example of a quick and easy pitch that fits almost any situation. When working on this type of elevator pitch, be sure to keep it as short and to the point as possible. Try to stick closely to the 30 seconds or less rule since the point is to be brief and transparent.

The problem is that work is chaotic no matter what industry you’re in or how good you are at your job. But a good project management software can help improve productivity and communication. I haven’t missed a deadline in years. If you’re interested in how it can help your team, give me a call and I can take you through some numbers. 

Example 2: Relatable over reliable

Sometimes the best way to grab your audience’s attention is to reel them in with a personal anecdote they’ll relate to. While it’s still important to drive home your solution, this approach puts more weight on making a personal connection rather than an immediate sale. 

It’s so great to finally meet you. How is business going? I heard you’ve been struggling with communication issues. My team and I struggled with that too. It wasn’t until we added project management software into our routine that we really saw an improvement in teamwork and overall communication. I hope you find a solution that works for your team. 

Example 3: Savvy with stats

Start your pitch off with a hook by dropping an attention-grabbing statistic. It’s important to have hard data to back up your statistics to ensure their accuracy before pitching. When it comes to a statistics pitch, it’s a good idea to come full circle at the end and connect how your solution can help solve that statistic.  

Did you know that despite having more ways to connect remotely, 60% of workers’ time is spent on work coordination with just 26% spent on skilled work and 14% on strategy? No wonder teams need help with project management. Implementing project management tools can decrease time spent on work coordination and help increase skilled work.

Example 4: Question everything

This example uses questions to make your pitch easily comprehensible. It also forces the audience to join in on the conversation rather than just presenting them with a speech. Try starting and ending with a question that makes the audience think about your pitch long after you leave the room.

Do you ever feel like you spend too much time on work about work? I’ve talked to so many people who share the same frustrations. I used to work long hours every day just trying to catch up. But do you know what? Ever since we started using project management software, I've been able to get so much more work done. Have you tried anything similar in the past?

Example 5: Comedic twist

If your pitch isn’t about a serious topic, you can add comedic twists to engage the audience. This is especially useful if giving a presentation. Add a GIF or quick funny clip in between slides to lighten the mood. If using this example, be sure it fits the occasion and tone of your company. 

Did you know that the average person can only pay attention for eight seconds? That’s not even long enough to place my coffee order in the morning. Maybe that’s why my barista always gets it wrong. But seriously, I think that’s why so many companies struggle to hit deadlines. 

Example 6: Tell a story

Use customer testimonials or your own personal story to paint a picture for the audience. This can be especially helpful if your topic is hard to explain in 30 seconds or less. Telling a story is a great way to add a relatable twist. 

We have a customer that transitioned to a fully remote workforce this year and needed help making sure deadlines were met. With our help, they were able to get up to 10% of their time back in their day and focus on more important things like strategic planning.  

Example 7: Emotionally driven

While this type of pitch may be more difficult to create, you have a better chance of winning over your audience if you can make your pitch emotionally driven. It’s also more likely they’ll be willing to share the experience with someone else down the road. It’s important to keep the emotions on the lighter side to prevent the conversation from steering too dark. Here is an example to inspire your own speech. 

It may seem like any other tool, but when you look closely it really is helping teams connect. And not just that, but it’s helping cultivate teams that actually enjoy working together on new projects. That’s something that’s hard to come by, but something everyone is looking for.  

Example 8: Write it first

While most speeches start by writing a general outline, you can opt to write the entire pitch from start to finish. This tends to create a thought-provoking and poetic flow once you do present your pitch. You’ll have to memorize this pitch, so practicing is a key element to this strategy. 

Hi, my name is Kelly! It’s great to meet you. You work for Apollo Enterprises, right? I’ve heard a lot about them. I actually heard that you’re looking for project management help. In my experience, any organization—whether sales or suppliers—needs help coordinating work and team communication. Work can be rather chaotic, especially now, without it. That’s why we’ve created a software tool that helps both individuals and teams organize their projects and communications all in one place. Have you ever thought about using something similar?

Example 9: End with a one-liner

Making a grand exit doesn’t come easily, but if you can pull it off your audience is sure to be impressed. Stay away from cliche one-liners and make your closing authentic to you. The point here is to leave them with a thought that they’ll remember after the meeting is over. Consider sharing a surprising statistic or question relevant to their business.

Over one-quarter (26%) of all deadlines are missed each week because of a lack of clarity. But with the right project management tools, that number could be much lower. So the question is, can your business afford not to use project management software? 

Elevator pitch examples by scenario

Now that we’ve covered the types of pitch examples, let’s dive into example elevator pitches for different scenarios. Whether you’re pitching for your business or yourself, you can use an elevator pitch to organize your thoughts and prepare for the real deal. Let’s look at key tips for any situation you may find yourself in. 

Example 10: Networking event

A networking event is probably the most common scenario you’ll run into. And with the new virtual-first culture, it may be even more challenging to make meaningful connections over video chat. That’s why it’s so important to prepare an elevator pitch that’s compelling no matter where you’re pitching it from. While most salespeople pitch casually in this environment, you may get the opportunity to meet an important executive. In which case, you’ll want to be prepared with a versatile pitch template. 

Great to meet you, I’m Kelly with Apollo Enterprises. We’ve been able to improve productivity and collaboration for teams all over the world. If you ever need help with project management, just reach out. I think we could make a huge impact on your company. I’ll make sure to keep your contact information handy as well. 

Example 11: Job interview

Looking for a new job or have career fairs coming up? Most interviews—whether with human resources, a recruiter, or a hiring manager—start with some form of the phrase, “Tell me about yourself.” This is an opportunity for job seekers to briefly explain themselves and their professional experience using industry buzzwords and key skills. Having an elevator pitch ready can ensure that you’re prepared when the opportunity presents itself. 

I’m Kelly, a specialist at Apollo Enterprises. I chose a career in project management because I had a passion for it, and now I can proudly say that I’ve been able to make a real difference in people’s lives. That’s why I’m looking to continue my career with an employer who shares those same values. I know my unique skills can make a big impact at your company because I’ve proven my results with a few key projects. 

Example 12: Formal meeting

You’ve landed the meeting, congratulations! Now is the time to create a formal elevator pitch to really get them interested. When presenting a formal pitch, a presentation can be a great addition to traditional elevator speech examples. But whether or not you choose to create a presentation, this meeting is about selling your product in the most professional way possible. So dress the part and don’t forget your unique selling proposition. 

I took a look at your current productivity figures and noticed an opportunity for improvement. With our project management software, you could get back up to 10% more of your workday. Not only would that mean more work getting done, but it would also have a positive impact on the overall success of your business. Not to mention, our tool is the only one in the industry that has goal capabilities to ensure teams stay on track. 

Example 13: Sales pitch 

Professionals often pitch traditional sales jargon, but the real key is creating a human connection while lightly sprinkling in what you’re selling. Start with a personal story or light-hearted introduction instead of the typical sales presentation. You can also prepare by creating sales team goal templates to ensure your team is on the same page. 

Our team really struggled to transition to a remote workforce. Communication wasn’t organized and people struggled to find the correct information to complete projects. But, thankfully, we found a solution to our problem. Implementing project management tools not only improved productivity but also improved overall teamwork. Every company prefers different tools, but I can say without a doubt that our software was the best at connecting goals with the work needed to achieve them. 

Example 14: Social introduction

Now, more than ever, professionals are choosing to meet virtually rather than face-to-face. Whether you’re chatting over LinkedIn or have a virtual meeting set up, it’s important to make your pitch personal and use clear visuals to help sell your point. Here’s a great example of a social media pitch. 

Thanks for connecting! I noticed that your competitors are outperforming you when it comes to year-over-year growth. I took the liberty of doing a competitive analysis and didn’t find any outlying problems. I’m wondering if it could be an issue with productivity. How has the transition to remote work been? If you’re interested, I could run you through some productivity figures if you were to add project management tools to your current processes. 

Example 15: Entrepreneurs and business owners

Pitching to a business owner is much different than pitching to an executive. They can be harder to sell because they are often hesitant about new investments. The most important tip is to use examples as they pertain to the business when explaining a problem and solution.  

I love your products at Apollo Enterprises. I’m a huge proponent of your mission. I did realize that there may be some opportunities to improve productivity and collaboration internally. Have you ever considered project management software? I think it could have a big impact on business growth now or even down the road. 

4 tips to perfect your elevator pitch

In addition to creating the perfect elevator pitch, you should also work on sprucing up your delivery. There’s nothing worse than sitting through a boring speech, so make sure yours is anything but. From posture to tone, there’s a lot you can practice to make sure you look professional and knowledgeable. Consider these four tips when trying to nail a successful elevator pitch. 

1. Stick to your outline

To prevent getting off-topic, it’s important to stick to your outline at least to some extent. While you don’t need to recite it word for word, it’s best to memorize the majority of your pitch. That way you won’t need to worry about checking your notes. 

2. Speak slowly and clearly

Many professionals tend to talk quickly when they’re nervous—hey, we’re only human. But it’s important to enunciate and speak slowly so the audience can understand you. This is especially important when presenting over video chat. But try not to slow yourself down too much or you’ll go over your allotted time. 

3. Record your pitch

Record yourself reciting the pitch to work on any areas that need improvement. Practice your pitch a handful of times by playing the recording back and working out any pain points. A couple of key areas to focus on are speed and tone. It’s better to sound overly energized rather than monotone. 

4. Practice, practice, practice!

There’s nothing more effective than practicing your pitch until you’re able to recite it in your sleep. If possible, practice in front of friends and family to get constructive feedback on how you can make your pitch even better. Even if you have years of experience, you can never go wrong with being overly prepared. 

Elevate your first impression with an elevator pitch

An elevator pitch is a chance to show off your strengths and pitch your solutions. While it may sound nerve-wracking, using the 15 elevator pitch examples above will help you develop your own method using personal tidbits that tie into your innovative solutions.

While your pitch is an important part of leveling up your business, there are many avenues you can take to achieve growth. One of those ways is by determining whether project management vs. work management tools are right for your team. Not only will they help connect your team members, but the right tools and software can also help your organization set strategic goals. That means more time spent on bigger projects to help your business reach next-level growth. 

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How to Craft a Personal Elevator Pitch

You’ve been dreaming about getting in front of an influential manager or investor for years and suddenly they’re right in front of you, asking you about yourself. How do you respond?

Always being ready for this kind of scenario with a predetermined answer is the idea behind crafting an elevator pitch. It’s a quick way to communicate who you are and why the person you’re talking to should care—all in only the short amount of time it takes for an elevator ride.

Many think of an “elevator pitch” as a message that can succinctly promote their organization, but it’s equally important that you have an elevator pitch crafted for the promotion of yourself , as well.  Read on to learn how to develop the perfect personal elevator pitch to help promote your accomplishments and bolster your career. 

What is a Personal Elevator Pitch?

An elevator pitch is a short but easy-to-understand explanation of you, your product, or your company. A personal elevator pitch is a compelling introduction of yourself, what you do, and what sets you apart from others in your field. It’s intended to quickly captivate your audience, and help open up a dialogue. 

Why Do I Need an Elevator Pitch?

There are many uses for an elevator pitch. Some of the most common include:

In a Cover Letter: Use your elevator pitch as a way to either help you brainstorm the main points you want to touch upon in your letter, or use it within the actual text of your statement as a way of starting off strong. Using your pitch in this format is a fantastic way to highlight what drives you and what makes you special.

During an Interview: Often hiring managers will ask you to tell them about yourself during an interview . Having an honest, memorable, and well-thought-out answer can capture their attention and show that you know the value you can offer their organization. It can also help open a meaningful dialogue about what you’re looking for and whether this career opportunity will be the right fit for you.

At Networking Events: You’re likely to meet dozens if not hundreds of people at networking events, and having an authentic statement about yourself at the ready can help break the ice when starting a conversation. It can also help those you meet remember you and your accomplishments after the event has ended.

On Social Media: Use your elevator pitch to help build your personal brand on LinkedIn and on other professional networks.

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Explore our Career Advice archives for tips and strategies to advance in your career.

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How do I Write a Personal Elevator Pitch?

Step 1: write it out.

Simply put pen to paper and jot down the answers to the biggest factors in your professional life, including: 

• What you do for work.
• What inspires you most about your work.
• What your greatest career achievements have been.
• What your career goals are.
• What you are looking to achieve in the future.
• What special skills you have that could benefit your future employer.

Step 2: Consider Your Value

Review the ways that your education can add to your value as an employee , including:

• The transferable skills you have gained while earning your degree.
• The special projects (research work, co-ops, etc.) you may have worked on.
• The way your university experience advanced your knowledge in the field.

Step 3: Seek The Input of Others

Connect with those you’ve worked closely with during your professional career, and ask them to identify what distinguishes you from others in your field. 

Often it can be hard to objectively see what skills you have that have helped others or that impacted an organization. These might be skills that are part of your job description—such as success in garnering press for your company or exceptional coding abilities—or “soft skills” that add value in other ways. For example, you might be adept at building consensus among disparate groups, or at coming up with creative solutions to business obstacles. No matter their input, considering the opinions of those who know you best in the workplace can help you determine the most relevant points to include in your elevator pitch.

Step 4: Determine Your Motivation

Think through what you really want to achieve with your next career move and why—even before you start writing. Your elevator pitch should not just tell people what you have to offer, but also provide some insight into who you are and what motivates you. Feel free to jot down bullet points at this stage to help formulate your ideas.

Step 5: Prioritize

Establish the top two to three points you’d like to convey, and write out a sentence that properly highlights each point. 

For example:

• I’m skilled at helping bring history to life.
• I was inspired to teach history by my fifth-grade teacher Mrs. Moss, who showed me how a great teacher can profoundly change your life.
• My students often ask tough questions, and I love the discussions those questions can open up!

Combine the above bullet points into a smooth, well-crafted pitch using transition points to help connect each idea. For example:

I’m a middle school teacher, and am always looking for ways to bring history to life in class. My own fifth-grade teacher inspired me, and showed me that sometimes your most challenging days can turn into opportunities to learn something new. That’s why I love when students ask me tough questions, because it can spark great discussions and gets the students really engaged.

Step 6: Practice & Get Feedback

Read your elevator pitch out loud to yourself, then share it with a trusted friend or colleague for their honest input. Once you have gathered this feedback and feel comfortable speaking your statement out loud, you should begin actively using it at professional events to see how people respond. Noticing how those around you are interpreting your message will help you determine if or how you might need to adjust it moving forward.

Step 7: Polish Your Pitch

Refining your elevator pitch should be an iterative process, and it may require several versions before you feel comfortable with what you’ve written. If you get stuck, you might also consider asking a professional editor to help you hone your message.

The Dos and Don’ts of Creating a Personal Elevator Pitch

Create your personal elevator pitch with the following tips in mind:

• Make it meaningful to the person you’re speaking with. Consider not just what you do, but how what you do could help the person you’re pitching to.

Here’s an example of an opening line in a less-effective elevator pitch:

I’ve been working in drug discovery at Smith Pharmaceuticals for 12 years.

Here’s how to turn that opening line into a pitch that means something to a future employer:

I helped discover and patent a billion-dollar diabetes medication during my time in the pharmaceutical industry.

• Tell a story. Paint a picture of what you do in order to help your pitch get noticed. This might involve highlighting an interesting accomplishment or simply sharing your unique perspective on your profession.
• Be specific. Future employers want to understand what your particular area of expertise is.
• Be authentic. Give potential employers a sense of who you really are. After all, you’re looking for a career opportunity that is a good fit for you, so giving some insight into who you are and what motivates you is important.
• Use a conversational tone. Avoid using language that’s too rigid or formal, and be wary of your statement coming off like a sales pitch. Even though your elevator pitch is, at its core, a way to sell yourself and your worth, it’s important to strike a balance between confident and casual.
• Go into too much detail. Your pitch should have only enough information to pique someone’s interest; it is not meant to be an exhaustive list of all you have to offer.
• Use jargon or industry language. Articulate what your skills are and what your value using layman’s terms, so that professionals from any field can see and understand your value.
• Take too long. Aim to get your point across in less than 30 seconds.
• Put too much focus on your years of experience. It’s not your longevity in a job that will make you noticeable but what you did with that time.
• Use cliche terms. Phrases like “state-of-the-art” and “thinking outside the box” are overused and can make a pitch seem dull.

Personal Elevator Pitch Examples

Each elevator pitch should be unique. Here are several examples to get you inspired:

Example #1: Highlighting Previous Successes

I’m a marketing manager who helped launch a successful nutrition app that sold three million copies in its first year. I’m looking to use what I’ve learned in the corporate world to help a health-focused nonprofit grow its donor base.

Example #2: Sharing Your Passion

I’m currently a corporate chef, and my favorite part of my work is concocting new recipes. I’m looking to become a personal chef so that I can continue bringing joy to my clients through food.

Example #3: Starting a Dialogue

Do you ever get the feeling your doctor has one foot out the door when you start asking them questions? As a practice manager, I actually work to build better relationships between patients and doctors. I helped my last practice earn a position as one of Boston Magazine’s list of Boston’s Best Doctors , and am looking to join a practice that shares these values.

Advance Your Career With a Well-Developed Elevator Pitch

Having a succinct personal elevator pitch is a fantastic way to make the most of interviews and networking events, and to open you up to new career opportunities. While it may seem like a challenging exercise to hone your personal message, it’s a very powerful way to market yourself.

Highlighting an advanced degree within your elevator pitch can also go a long way in setting you apart from the masses in these situations. Many of today’s employers seek candidates who believe in lifelong education, as this demonstrates your commitment to continual improvement. If you have already pursued advanced education, be sure to mention your degree within your personal elevator pitch in a way that doesn’t feel forced, but that clearly establishes your credentials in the field. For those who have not yet completed advanced education, consider one of the 200+ degree and certificate programs at Northeastern to help set you apart from the crowd.

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How to Answer “Tell Me About Yourself” in an Elevator Pitch

Have you ever been in an elevator with a potential employer and asked, “tell me about myself?

This blog post will show you how to craft the perfect answer for “tell me about myself in an elevator pitch” in a blog post. We’ll also give tips on how to impress your interviewer. So read on and learn how to ace this question!

What Is An Elevator Pitch?

An elevator pitch is a quick, engaging summary of a business, product, service, or individual. It’s usually delivered when it takes to ride an elevator, hence the name.

An effective elevator pitch should be clear, concise, and persuasive. It should explain what you do (or what you’re offering), why it’s valuable, and why someone should care. An elevator pitch can be helpful whether you’re networking, seeking funding, or simply trying to explain what you do to a friend or acquaintance.

While an elevator pitch can be helpful in many situations, it’s imperative if you’re an entrepreneur or small business owner. You never know when you’ll have the opportunity to make a pitch, so it’s essential to be prepared. And even if you’re not in business for yourself, articulating what you do clearly, concisely, and persuasively can be helpful in many personal and professional situations.

Why is Elevator Pitch Important in Interview?

An elevator pitch is a brief, persuasive speech you can use to sell your product, service, or company. It’s called an elevator pitch because it should be short enough to deliver in the time it takes to ride an elevator, which is typically about 30 seconds. 

An elevator pitch is important because it can be used in a variety of situations, such as: 

When you’re trying to sell your product or service to a potential customer 

When you’re trying to attract investors for your business 

When you’re networking and trying to make a good impression 

Some of the advantages of using an elevator pitch include: 

It forces you to be clear and concise about what you’re offering 

It makes it easy for people to understand your product, service, or company 

It can help you stand out from the competition 

It can leave a lasting impression on the person you’re pitching

It can help you close deals more easily 

When preparing your elevator pitch, it’s important to remember that you only have a limited amount of time to make your case. This means that you need to be clear, concise, and persuasive. You also must ensure that your pitch is relevant to the person you’re pitching to. 

If you can master the art of the elevator pitch, it can be a valuable tool in your business arsenal.

What Are the Advantages of Elevator Pitch in Interview?

An elevator pitch is vital in an interview because it allows you to make a strong, positive first impression. It also lets you quickly and effectively communicate your key message, which can help convince the interviewer that you are the best candidate for the job .

Your elevator pitch should be brief, clear, and to the point. When delivered well, it can be a powerful tool to help you land your desired job.

Here are a few tips to keep in mind when crafting your elevator pitch:

Keep it brief. Your elevator pitch should be no more than 30 seconds long.

Focus on your key message. What is the one thing you want the interviewer to remember about you?

Use simple language. Avoid using jargon or technical terms.

Be enthusiastic. Show the interviewer that you are excited about the opportunity to work for their company.

Practice, practice, practice. The more you rehearse your elevator pitch, the more confident you will be when delivering it in an interview.

An elevator pitch is a great way to make a strong, positive first impression in an interview. By crafting a well-written and persuasive elevator pitch, you can increase your chances of landing the job you want.

An elevator pitch is a short, persuasive speech you use to sell your product or service. You usually only have a few seconds to make your case, so you must be clear and concise.

Here are some tips on how to write an effective elevator pitch:

Start by Introducing Yourself

Your elevator pitch should start with a brief introduction of who you are. This might include your name, your profession, and a brief overview of your experience. For example, you might say, “My name is John Smith, and I’m an accountant with 20 years of experience.”

After your introduction, you’ll want to briefly explain what you do or what your business does. This will give the person you’re speaking to a better understanding of what you do and how you might be able to help them. For example, you might say, “I help businesses save money on their taxes.”

Finally, you’ll want to briefly explain why you’re the best person for the job or your business is the best in its field. This will help to seal the deal and convince the person you’re speaking to that you’re worth their time and attention. For example, you might say, “I have a proven track record of helping businesses save money on their taxes, and I’m confident I can do the same for you.”

By following these simple tips, you can deliver an effective elevator pitch that will help you get the attention of the people you’re speaking to and convince them that you’re worth their time and attention.

Provide a summary of what you do

Elevator pitches are an essential part of the job interview process. They allow you to briefly introduce yourself and your qualifications to the interviewer professionally and engagingly. When done correctly, an elevator pitch can be the difference between getting the job and being passed over for someone else.

The key to a successful elevator pitch is to keep it short, sweet, and concise. You don’t want to ramble on and on about your entire work history or list every single one of your qualifications. Instead, highlight the most important aspects of your experience and skills that make you the perfect candidate for the job.

Start by briefly introducing yourself and then explain what you do. For example, “My name is Jane Smith, and I am an accountant. I help businesses keep track of their finances and ensure that they comply with all applicable laws.”

Then, explain why you would be the perfect candidate for the job. This is where you can highlight your relevant qualifications and experience. For example, I have worked with small businesses, so I understand their challenges. I also understand the tax laws, which would benefit this position.

Finally, summarize your elevator pitch by stating what you hope to accomplish in the role. For example, “I am very excited about this opportunity, and I would love to use my skills and experience to help the company save money and improve its bottom line.”

By following these tips, you can ensure that your elevator pitch is effective and impressive. Taking the time to craft a well-thought-out pitch will show the interviewer that you are a serious candidate who is prepared and ready to take on the challenges of the job.

How to Answer “Tell Me About Yourself” in an Elevator Pitch- Concluded

In conclusion, when answering “tell me about yourself” in an elevator pitch, keep it brief, highlight your experience and skills, and end with a strong statement emphasizing why you would be a valuable asset to the company. Following these tips will help you make a great first impression and increase your chances of landing the job interview!

What is an elevator pitch, and how exactly can it benefit your professional life? A brief summary of your history, experience, and goals is called an elevator pitch, also called an elevator speech.

Because it should be concise enough to be delivered in the time allotted for a journey in an elevator, this type of speech is referred to as an “elevator pitch.”

This speech is about who you are, what you do, and what you want to do (if you’re job-looking) or are doing it (if you’re already employed).

If delivered well, this brief speech may help you make a persuasive case for why career and business contacts should want to meet you. It can assist you in expanding your professional network, securing a job, or connecting with new coworkers on the first day of work.

Key Takeaways- How to Answer “Tell Me About Yourself” in an Elevator Pitch

Maintain brevity and clarity in your so-called “elevator speech” to convey your message in less than one minute.

Describe yourself, what you do for a living, and the goals you have set for yourself. Your objective is to zero in on what is truly important.

Maintain a cheerful attitude and use your limited time to persuade others. Instead of focusing on what you don’t want to do, focus on the things you want to accomplish.

If you want to ensure that your point is understood, you should either have a buddy listen to you speak or videotape yourself. The more you work on it, the more polished your delivery will become.

When to Use an Elevator Speech and How to Do It

When you’re looking for a new job, you may utilize your elevator pitch at career expos and job fairs and online in places like your LinkedIn summary or Twitter profile, for instance. Practicing your introduction to prospective employers and other company officials with the help of an elevator speech is an excellent method to boost your self-assurance.

You may also introduce yourself to people you meet at networking events and mixers by using your “elevator pitch.” If you want to attend the events and activities of a professional group or any other kind of gathering, be sure to have your pitch prepared so that you may discuss it with the people you meet.

Your “elevator pitch” will serve you well in in-person and online networking events, job interviews, and career fairs.

During job interviews, especially in response to questions about yourself and your background, you can use your “elevator pitch.” Think of your elevator pitch as a reduced version of your response to the inquiry “Tell me about yourself,” which is typically the first question asked by interviewers.

Elevator pitch samples

Your speech for the elevator should be succinct. Put a time limit of 30–60 seconds on the speech. You are not required to list your previous jobs or career goals on the resume. Your pitch should concisely summarize who you are and what you do.

You need to have a convincing argument. Your pitch should be captivating enough to pique the listener’s interest in your concept, organization, or background, even though it is only a few minutes long and takes place in an elevator.

Share your expertise. Your “elevator pitch” should explain who you are and your relevant qualifications and talents. Make it a priority to concentrate on assets that are valuable in a variety of contexts. This is your opportunity to brag a little bit about yourself; try not to come off as arrogant, but do convey what you bring to the table.

Practice, practice, practice. The greatest approach to feel comfortable making an elevator speech is to rehearse it until the speed and “pitch” come easily, without seeming robotic. This is the best way to feel confident about giving an elevator speech.

As you continue to try to switch up the topic, you will eventually become accustomed to doing so. If you give it a lot of practice beforehand, it will be much simpler for you to deliver it while you are at a job interview or a professional networking event.

It is a good idea to videotape yourself presenting your speech or to practice giving it to a buddy. This will assist you in determining whether or not you are maintaining the allotted time limit and whether or not your message is clear.

Maintain an upbeat and adaptable attitude. When you offer your pitch, you most likely aren’t applying for a specific position, so it’s important to give off the impression that you are adaptable and open-minded.

Do not start with the things you would prefer not to do. (For instance, if you don’t want to travel a lot for business, that is a valid reason; but you don’t need to provide that information immediately.) This is your opportunity to create a fantastic initial impression on a possible employer, so seize the day! Avoid squandering it.

Make mention of your objectives. There is no requirement for you to get really precise. Because your presentation will be utilized in various contexts and with a wide range of individuals, having an objective that is too narrowly focused is not useful.

But don’t forget to specify what it is that you’re trying to find. For instance, you might state, “a career in accounting,” “a chance to use my sales abilities in a new market,” or “to relocate to San Francisco with a job in this same field.” Other examples include “an opportunity to apply my sales skills to a new market.”

You must be aware of your audience and talk directly to them. In certain contexts, using industrial jargon can indicate your expertise level in the relevant field. But you should avoid employing jargon while you’re doing an elevator pitch. This is especially important if you’re talking to recruiters because they can find the phrases confusing and off-putting. Maintain a straightforward and concentrated approach.

Make sure you have a business card on hand. At the end of the talk, if you have a business card, you should present it to the other person as a means to continue the conversation. If you don’t have one, you may always offer to exchange your contact information using your smartphone instead. If you are at a professional networking event or a job fair, bringing a copy of your resume will help reflect your interest and readiness for the opportunity.

During Your Speech, Here Are Some Things You Should Never Say or Do

Please slow down your rate of speech. You do have a limited amount of time, yet you must communicate a great deal of information. But don’t rush through your explanations to solve this conundrum. This will make it more difficult for your audience to absorb the information you are presenting.

Avoid rambling. For this reason, practicing your “elevator speech” is of the utmost importance. You don’t want to over-rehearse since you’ll sound unnatural, but you also don’t want your pitch to be scattered, confusing, or full of unfocused words, and you definitely don’t want to go off course. Allow the person you are conversing with to answer or intervene by allowing them to do so.

Don’t frown; try to sound uninterested in what you’re saying. One of the potential drawbacks of practicing is that it may cause you to concentrate more on memorizing the specific phrases you want to speak and less on how you communicate these words through your tone of voice and body language. Maintain a high level of energy while still being confident and enthusiastic.

Smile, preserve a cheerful expression on your face, and modulate your voice to keep your audience engaged in what you have to say.

You shouldn’t confine yourself to just one short sales pitch. You may be interested in working in both public relations and content strategy simultaneously.

You will find that many of the communication skills you have acquired will apply to both sectors; however, you must modify your presentation according to the audience you are addressing. You could also consider having a less formal and more personal pitch ready for use when you are in social settings.

Advice for Delivering Virtual Elevator Pitch Presentations

When it comes to making a virtual elevator pitch, all of the same rules and criteria apply. If you are participating in a virtual career fair, a job interview through Zoom, or a networking event, you could be given a chance to deliver an elevator speech. Keep in mind the rules that have been outlined above.

In addition, keep in mind the following guidelines:

Take a look at your appearance. You will want to have a history that is both spotless and professional. In addition to that, check that the lighting is enough and that you are not standing in any distracting shadows.

Make sure to make eye contact. If you practice in advance, you will become accustomed to staring into the camera’s lens, making it appear that you are making eye contact with the person on the other end of the video chat. However, try not to overdo it and avoid gazing!

Strive for a high level of energy. You will want to avoid speaking too rapidly, just as you would while pitching in person. You must also vary your voice (to prevent seeming monotonous) and maintain high enthusiasm. Keeping people’s attention during video meetings is essential, as it is more likely that they will become distracted, given the medium.

Elevator Pitch Examples

Make your own effective elevator pitch by using the examples provided here as recommendations. Make sure that your speech includes specifics about your history and what you have to offer a potential employer, such as the following:

I recently completed my studies at the university and earned a degree in communications. I started out as a reporter for the campus newspaper, and eventually, I was promoted to the position of arts editor for the publication. I am searching for a position that will use my experience as a journalist, and I hope to find one soon.

My expertise in accounting spans ten years, with most of that time spent working with companies of small and medium kinds. I would be more than happy to offer my services as a consultant to your business if you require more manpower.

My name is Bob, and after spending many years working in several other dentists’ dental offices, I have decided to take the plunge and create my own business. I’d be grateful if you could recommend me to anyone you know who needs a new dentist. Thanks in advance!

I work as an illustrator for several websites and companies. My greatest joy comes from conceiving original approaches to conveying a message and making images people like enough to post on social media.

My office is in Washington, DC, and I practice law for the federal government. But I was born and raised in Ohio, and now I’m hoping to relocate to a place that’s more in tune with my upbringing while still working for a company that welcomes families. Before I started working for the government, I was an attorney at ABC firm, where I specialized in labor law.

I’m Sarah, and I manage a trucking firm in the United States. Because it is a family-run enterprise, we believe that providing our clients with a more personalized experience significantly impacts their overall satisfaction. Not only do we promise timely delivery, but my father and I personally address customers’ questions and concerns when they call.

How to End an Elevator Pitch

Most job seekers are familiar with the concept of an “elevator pitch” – a brief, concise summary of who you are and what you do, designed to capture the attention of a busy hiring manager or potential employer.

But what happens when you’re in an elevator with a hiring manager – or worse, in an interview – and they ask you to “tell me about yourself”?

Getting tongue-tied or rambling on aimlessly is easy if you’re not prepared. Worse yet, you might give an answer that completely misses the mark and damages your chances of getting the job.

The key to nailing this question is to have a well-crafted elevator pitch that you can deliver smoothly without sounding rehearsed.

Here’s how to finish your elevator pitch in an interview:

Keep it brief.

Remember, you’re trying to capture the attention of a busy hiring manager – so keep your answer short and sweet. Aim for around 30-60 seconds.

Focus on your value proposition.

Your elevator pitch should be about what you can do for the company, not your personal career goals. Hiring managers don’t care about what you want – they care about what you can do for them.

Highlight your most relevant skills and experience.

When crafting your elevator pitch, focus on the skills and experience most relevant to the job you’re applying for. Don’t try to cram in everything – just hit the highlights.

Use concrete examples.

Use concrete examples of your skills and experience in action to drive home your value proposition. This will help the hiring manager visualize what you can do for their company.

Avoid using industry jargon.

While you want to focus on your most relevant skills and experience, avoid using industry jargon or acronyms that the hiring manager might not be familiar with. Stick to plain language that anyone can understand.

End with a call to action.

After you’ve delivered your elevator pitch, end with a call to action – something that will prompt the hiring manager to take the next step, whether inviting you for an interview or requesting more information.

By following these tips, you can be sure that you’ll deliver a well-crafted elevator pitch to help you stand out from the crowd and land the job you want.

Questions to ask leaders on resume & career coaching

How to Answer “Tell Me About Yourself” in an Elevator Pitch- Summary

The “Tell me about yourself” question is a common interview question that can be difficult to answer. It’s important to give a brief overview of your professional experience and skills, but you also want to avoid sounding too canned or robotic. Here are a few tips on how to answer this question in an elevator pitch:

Start with a strong introduction.

Your introduction should be clear, concise, and engaging. It should give the interviewer a good sense of who you are and what you’re all about. For example, you could start by stating your name, your current job title , and your company. You could also mention your educational background or any relevant professional certifications.

Highlight your skills and experience.

Once you’ve introduced yourself, it’s time to highlight your skills and experience. This is where you can talk about your accomplishments and how your skills would be a valuable asset to the company. For example, you could mention any awards you’ve won, any projects you’ve worked on, or any specific skills you’re proficient in.

Be enthusiastic and positive.

It’s important to be enthusiastic and positive when answering this question. Your body language and tone of voice should reflect your excitement about the opportunity. You should also avoid sounding too boastful or arrogant. Instead, focus on highlighting your skills and experience in a way that shows the interviewer how you can benefit the company.

Keep it short and sweet.

The “Tell me about yourself” question is typically asked at the beginning of an interview, so you don’t want to ramble on for too long. Aim to keep your answer to 2-3 minutes, tops.

Practice makes perfect.

The more you practice answering this question, the more comfortable you’ll feel when you’re actually in an interview. So take some time to practice your elevator pitch in front of a mirror or with a friend. This will help you get used to speaking about yourself in a concise and engaging way.

By following these tips, you can answer the “Tell me about yourself” question in a way that will make a positive impression on the interviewer.

Updated: 6/5/2023

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