What is an elevator pitch?
An elevator pitch is a brief, persuasive speech that you use to spark interest in what your organization does. You
can also use them to create interest in a project, idea, or product ? or in yourself. A good elevator pitch should last
no longer than a short elevator ride of 20 to 30 seconds, hence the name.
Its basically how to respond to? ‘so tell me about yourself/what do you do? who are you??.
These questions are inevitable in the business world. Though everyone has different ideas of what makes a great
elevator pitch, when we get back to basics we realize that there are only three true rules to consider:
1. It should be 30 seconds or less.
2. Your skill (or how you benefit a potential employer) should be clear.
3. There should be a goal (or ask).
Everything else is up to you.
We have gone through countless elevator pitches (some very good and some very bad) and narrowed the elevator pitch down to four key pieces that you can customize, personalize, and play with to fit all your networking.
Four key components of 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 (for yourself) what you can deliver. Consider these:
- Your professional accomplishments (awards, recognitions, certifications, etc).
- What’s the common thread in all your jobs? Take a look at your transferable skills and identify the one or
- two where you really excel.
- Focus on your essential skill set, what ability have you continued to strengthen in every role?
- What did you do well at in school? Use your major and assess your other interests. What clubs were you
- in? Who did you admire? What was your favourite subject?
Have a clear skill set but looking for new ways to talk about it? Try these:
- Adept at
- Proficient in
- Accomplished
- Prowess
- Dexterity
- Expertise in
- Savvy
Question 2: What is your greatest strength in this area OR the best compliment you’ve ever received about your skill? (Confidence)
If you say that your skill set is communications no one is going to doubt you. However, if you say that your skill set is communications and you have ?a knack for persuasive storytelling? then an employer has a clearer understanding of your value. Your 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. Also
consider:
Where are you most assured?
- The opportunity to do ____ (fill it in) is what really drew you to your current role. (Hint: Look at job
- descriptions that really excite you and ask yourself why.)
This is also a space for the interpersonal ? perhaps you are an amazing team player because you have a knack for seeing both sides of an argument ? feel free to include that here as well!
Looking for different ways to talk about your strengths? Try:
- Have a knack for?
- Talented at..
- Effective
- Penchant for?
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?
If you’re afraid to make the ask, remember that what your seeking is also seeking you. Your elevator pitch positions you as a solution, and open positions mean problems that hiring managers need solved.
So go ahead, ask ? remember there’s a win-win.
Try framing your aspirations like this:
- Gain exposure or credibility in the industry
- Hoping to find a role in?
- Suggestions as to how I can?
- Opportunities for me to develop?
- Looking to write for?
- Insight on how I can apply?
Question 4: What’s your ?why?? (Motivation)
Simon Sinek, Leadership Expert, helps people find the why in everything they do?and that’s important because
it’s the why that keeps us inspired and motivates us to take action.
Studies have shown that decision making, although a complex process, is really rooted in emotion. (That’s right
logic and emotion and not in opposition!)
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:
- Who do I want to help or inspire?
- Who benefits from my work?
- Why do I enjoy the work I am doing?
Also try using words like:
- Because?
- On behalf of?
- I owe it to?
- I?m inspired by?
- I want to inspire..
- I believe?
How to put it all together
You?re at a workshop and you meet Mary, a senior at university. You ask her what she does and she says?
“I?m currently studying education at university.. 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 non-profit that allows me to teach and develop curriculum. Because non-profit programs 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 James. You ask him what he does and he says?
“I?m currently working as Human Resources Manager at [insert company]. 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 my ultimate aim is to help companies develop more ethical and inclusive workplace cultures.”
You?re at a training conference and you bump into Steve. You ask him what she does, and he says?
“I?m a communications professional with a knack for persuasive storytelling. Considering my peers often complimented 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 a 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 future generations.”
Try it out and see if you can create a compelling elevator pitch that gets people talking!
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