An elevator pitch is your 30 seconds to make a powerful impression on someone.
Follow our guide to craft your go-to “about me” pitch.
The “so tell me about yourself/what do you do? who are you?” question is inevitable.
First, consider these 3 true rules as your guide:
Then, use the following questions to finalize your pitch.
Question 1: What do you do…well? (Skills)
What you do is the foundation of any elevator pitch! While there’s no need to delve into specific job jargon, you need to be able to identify and articulate the following:
Have a clear skill set but looking for new ways to talk about it? Try these examples below.
Question 2: What is your greatest strength in this area OR the best compliment you’ve ever received about your skill? (Confidence)
A concise and clear understanding of your abilities will not only lead others to believe in your abilities, but also help employers more readily identify how you fit into the bigger picture of your department, field, or industry.
Not sure what your strength in a particular area is? Think about some of the feedback you’ve received, or consider the following:
Looking for different ways to talk about your strengths? Try one of the examples below.
Question 3: What would you like to do? (Goal)
People need to know how to help you.
Really consider what result you want – is it a job? Is it to learn a new skill set? Is it to pick someone’s brain about best practices in your field?
Try framing your aspirations with one the following:
Question 4: What’s your “why?” (Motivation)
Your emotions support your decision-making abilities. Use this knowledge to demonstrate that your reasons for your goal and your ask aren’t just about the money. Focus on the intrinsic motivators that really keep you moving ahead.
Ask yourself:
Also try using words like:
You’re at orientation and you meet Alyssa, a sophmore in college. You ask her what she does and she says…
I’m currently studying education at Amarillo College. One of my greatest strengths is my ability to make the conceptual practical and I’m interested in securing an entry-level role at a nonprofit that allows me to teach and develop curriculum. Because nonprofit programs and fellowships were a key part of my development, it’s important for me to pay it forward and help students develop to their highest potential.
You’re on the bus and you are sitting next to Bentlee. You ask them what they do and they say…
I’m currently working as a Human Resources Manager at Electric Engergy Solutions. My supervisors frequently commend me for being able to weigh and consider multiple perspectives and negotiate conflicting perspectives. I’m looking for suggestions/advice on how I can further cultivate my expertise in this field because because my ultimate aim is to help organizations develop more ethical and inclusive workplace cultures.
You’re at a conference and you bump into Queshon. You ask him what he does, and he says…
I’m a communications professional with a knack for persuasive storytelling. Considering my colleagues often complemented me for my thoughtful and engaging presentations, I’m looking for insight as to how I can best position myself for a role in production or videography at social impact start-up. Because I’m inspired by documentaries, I want to help companies express their missions in compelling and relatable ways in the age of social media.
As you exit an entrepreneurial conference, you meet Sonia. You ask her what she does, and she says…
My core skill sets are civil engineering and psychology. I’m endlessly curious and all my friends, family, and colleagues look to me for answers on everything from mood swings to mindcraft. As I’ve always been exceptionally passionate about social issues, I’m looking to write for publications/websites focused on climate change so that I can create content and campaigns urging others to take action and increase sustainability for future generations.