Picture this: you’re in an elevator, and you bump into the CEO of your dream company. You have 30 seconds to make an impression before they step out. What do you say? This is where a well-crafted elevator pitch comes to the rescue. In today’s competitive job market, having a compelling elevator pitch, or a short, highlight overview of yourself professionally, can be the key to unlocking new opportunities and making a lasting impression. Whether it is a spur of the moment in an actual elevator, or during an interview when you are asked one of the most common questions, “Tell us about yourself”, it is important to be prepared and have your pitch ready to go. In this blog we are going to dive deeper into the art of mastering your job interview elevator pitch, so you can ensure you are prepared whenever necessary!
Key Takeaways
- Craft an elevator pitch that highlights your unique background, skills, and conveys the value you can bring to the company
- Tailor your pitch to each target audience, practice regularly, and be conversational & engaging when delivering
- Avoid common pitfalls such as speaking too quickly or using overly technical language for maximum impact
The Importance of an Elevator Pitch
The significance of an elevator pitch lies in the brief timeframe where you can effectively highlight your competencies, exhibit your professionalism, and make a memorable impact. Whether it’s during your next job interview, a professional networking event, or an out of the blue encounter with your future boss at your local coffee shop- having a good elevator pitch can be a game changer in your job search.
Think of your elevator pitch sort of like your cover letter on the go- designed to capture the attention of potential employers in a compelling way quickly. It’s your chance to stand out from the crowd and demonstrate why you’re the ideal candidate for that dream job. Remember, first impressions count – and having your pitch ready can lead to unexpected opportunities that could propel your career to new heights. This is what makes an elevator pitch important.
Crafting Your Elevator Pitch
A good quality elevator pitch is meant to be comprehensive and memorable. This is your shot to showcase why you are the person for the job or opportunity, and what makes you different from everyone else.
An impactful elevator pitch stems from:
- Recognizing your unique selling points
- Customizing your message for the intended listeners
- Constructing a succinct message that underlines your abilities, ambitions, and the unique value you offer
We’ll delve into these steps further for a comprehensive understanding of crafting a stand out elevator pitch.
Identify your unique selling points
Recognizing your unique selling points forms the foundation of an influential elevator pitch.
Steps to get started:
- Reflect on your strengths, achievements, and what sets you apart from other candidates
- Keep in mind that the goal is to present a high-level summary of your professional experience
- Think about the specific position or company and highlight how your experience makes you the best fit for the opportunity
When selecting achievements to include in your pitch, focus on specific examples that demonstrate your capabilities and qualifications. Emphasize relevant achievements and successes that showcase your skills and make you stand out from other candidates.
✨ Tip: Need help identifying your top selling points and building out your personal brand? Chat with one of our ResumeSpice team members who focuses on all things career coaching.
Tailor your pitch to the target audience
Your elevator pitch should be adaptable to suit the specific needs of the potential employer.
How to tailor your pitch:
- Research the company and role you’re applying for
- Demonstrate your interest in the company and your understanding of the role
- Address any company goals or pain points in your pitch and loop in how your expertise aligns
By following these tips, you can create a compelling elevator pitch that stands out to potential employers, even if you have to use an elevator to reach them.
✨ Tip: While constructing your pitch, employ straightforward language that caters to a broad audience. Avoid technical jargon and industry-specific terms that may confuse listeners. Instead, be clear and concise, ensuring your message resonates with the listener.
Develop a clear and concise message
A compelling elevator pitch is short and direct. Aim for 20-60 seconds, focusing on the most crucial aspects of your background and achievements. Remember, the goal is to capture the listener’s attention and leave them wanting to learn more about you.
Include a call to action in your pitch to encourage further discussion or engagement with the listener. This could be asking for a follow-up meeting or directing them to your LinkedIn or online portfolio.
Elevator Pitch Examples
To ensure your pitch is impactful, aim to deliver it with clarity, concision, and confidence. A strong elevator pitch should be professional, organized, and captivating to the listener.
Include these key components in your elevator pitch:
- Introduction
- Summary of what you do
- Value proposition
- Specification of what you want
- Closing
For inspiration, let’s explore a few successful personal sales pitch examples from mock industry professionals of different experience levels. Note how these pitches are quick, informative, engaging, and tailored to the specific job role or situation, making them the perfect elevator pitch.
Entry level example:
“Hi, my name is Jane, and I am a recent graduate from NYU with a Bachelor’s degree in Business Administration. I am new to the business world, but have a passion for helping companies grow through effective and intentional digital marketing strategies. During my internship at XYZ Marketing Agency, I successfully managed cross-platform digital campaigns for several clients, increasing their online engagement on average by 22%. After researching your company, I feel my experience and values align greatly with your brand. I am very excited about the opportunity to bring my skillset to your company and would love to set up a time to discuss the open Digital Marketing Coordinator position further.”
Mid-level example:
“Hi, my name is John and I’m a software engineer with 7 years of experience developing innovative solutions for the healthcare industry. My most recent project involved leading the creation of a mobile app that streamlined patient records and appointment scheduling for a large hospital network. I’m open and looking for new opportunities to leverage my technical skills and passion for improving healthcare system efficiency. I have heard great things about your startup and feel my background and expertise align well with your goals and the direction you're looking to take the company. I’d love to discuss any open opportunities on your software engineering team. Do you have time for a quick chat? Otherwise here is my business card with my contact information.”
Executive-level example:
“My name is Margaret and I am a results-oriented executive with over 23-years of experience in strategic leadership and business development. During that time I've helped multiple companies successfully execute go to market strategies. I understand that for the Business Development Executive role at ABC Company, it is a top priority for you to find someone who can implement client-centric strategies, oversee and lead high-performing teams, and implement new cutting-edge technologies. I believe my background perfectly aligns with what you are looking for, and I would love to dive a bit deeper into how my executive expertise can help push ABC Company forward.”
Perfecting Your Elevator Pitch Delivery
With your elevator pitch now outlined and prepped, it’s time to concentrate on rehearsing and refining your presentation. Feeling confident and continuing to hone in on the delivery of your pitch can only prepare you even more for an on-the-spot moment with a potential work opportunity. It is best to practice your pitch regularly, be conversational and engaging, and let your passion for the role and company shine through. After all, this is a unique, professional highlight reel of you!
Practice makes perfect
Practicing your elevator pitch is vital for fine-tuning your timing, facial expressions, and self-assurance. The more you practice, the more natural your pitch will feel, and the better equipped you’ll be to deliver it in high-pressure situations.
Best practices for rehearsing your elevator pitch:
- Practice in front of a mirror to observe your body language and facial expressions
- Practice with friends or family members who can provide valuable feedback
- Record yourself practicing and listen back to identify areas for improvement
- Practice in different settings and scenarios to prepare for high-pressure situations
Remember, your elevator pitch should sound like a genuine conversation, not a scripted monologue. Make sure your pitch flows naturally and avoid sounding robotic.
✨ Tip: Practice giving your pitch as if you were speaking to a friend, and you’ll find it easier to engage the listener!
Be conversational and engaging
While presenting your personal sales pitch, it’s pivotal to articulate clearly and use comprehensive, straightforward language. Avoid technical terms and industry-specific verbiage that may confuse the listener. Instead, focus on conveying your message in a conversational and captivating way that everyone can comprehend. An effective elevator speech can make all the difference in capturing your audience’s attention and leave them with a lasting impression of you.
Show enthusiasm and passion
Your zest and fervor for the role and organization can shine through in your elevator pitch via a genuine smile, steady eye contact, and an evident display of excitement. A smile and positive body language can go a long way in making a lasting impression on the listener.
Remember, people are drawn to those who are passionate and excited about what they do. Let your pitch reflect your enthusiasm for the opportunity, and you’ll be one step closer to landing your desired role. This advice is especially valuable for job seekers who want to stand out in the competitive market!
Common Pitfalls to Avoid in Your Elevator Pitch
There are a few common mistakes to steer clear of when presenting your elevator pitch that can leave your listener feeling overwhelmed and disengaged.
Don't:
- Speak too fast
- Ramble
- Use overly technical language
Do:
- Be concise
- Speak clearly
- Engage your audience
- Smile
- Maintain good eye contact
- Ensure you are easy to understand and relatable
And again, don’t forget to practice your pitch regularly, but note that over-rehearsing can make you sound robotic and unnatural, while under-preparation can lead to a lack of confidence in your delivery. Strive for a balance between the two, allowing your pitch to flow naturally.
Adapting Your Elevator Pitch for Different Situations
While a general, high-quality elevator pitch is crucial to have on deck, customizing your pitch according to each situation signifies your respect and thought for the listener’s time and your specific interest in the job or company. Whether it’s a career fair, professional networking event, or job interview, always customize your pitch to the specific audience.
For instance, at a career fair, you might emphasize your recent achievements and career goals, while at a networking event, you could focus on your professional experience and the value you bring to potential collaborations. By adapting your personal sales pitch to suit the situation, you demonstrate your versatility and preparedness for any opportunity that comes your way.
✨ Tip: Need a bit more guidance on elevator pitches and interview prep in general? Our ResumeSpice team offers tailored, professional interview coaching!
Summary
In conclusion, crafting a compelling job interview elevator pitch is an essential skill for today’s job active seekers. By identifying your unique selling points, tailoring your pitch to the target audience, and perfecting your delivery, you can make a lasting impression on potential employers and take a significant step toward landing your next role. Remember, practice makes perfect, and with dedication and persistence, you’ll become a master of the art of the perfect elevator pitch.
Q&A
What are the 3 C's to remember when creating an elevator pitch?
A great elevator pitch should be executed with Clarity, Concision, and Confidence to make a lasting impression on the listener.
What is the ideal length for an elevator pitch during a job interview?
An elevator pitch should be short, sweet, and to the point. We recommend keeping it around 20-60 seconds long.
How can you tailor your elevator pitch to a specific audience?
- Research your audience
- Highlight relevant points from your background that would benefit them
- Use language and verbiage they will easily understand
- Emphasize shared values
- Address their potential pain points and note how you could help alleviate them
- Be flexible- adapt your tone and style to their energy and demeanor
- End with a relevant call to action
Need Some Help Perfecting Your Elevator Pitch?
We are here to help! Our ResumeSpice team may be known for being the #1 rated resume writing service in the US, but that's not all we do. Our dedicated team is here to help you feel confident and prepared to stand out in the job market. From helping guide you in creating the perfect elevator pitch, to working with you on customized interview prep, tailored career coaching, professional LinkedIn profile writing, and more, we are your resource! Check out all of our career services here, and give us a call at 832.930.7378 or connect with us online.
