When you only have 60 seconds, you need to make them count. When a new opportunity is on the line, it’s even more essential to craft a flawless response. Here are some expert tips regarding how to create an elevator pitch. Elevator pitch examples for job seekers look a little different than ones for business marketing, so we’ll provide you with some of those as well.
Before beginning, you’ll want a comprehensive understanding of what an elevator pitch entails. An “elevator pitch” is a technique used to market one’s self or their business. The length of your speech should ideally take as long as an elevator ride; therefore, the challenge is to keep it short while conveying your purpose and the benefits you bring.
Now imagine that you’re about to stand in an elevator with your potential employer. They step in, and you’re at a loss for words. What would you want them to know about you? How can you benefit their company? That’s where your quick speech comes into play.
The basics of writing your pitch
Your elevator pitch should be about 100-200 words. First, introduce yourself. This way, your potential employer can place a name to a face. This is just the first part of what will make your speech truly memorable.
Next, describe what you do in your current role. Include one or two main responsibilities, explaining the aspects of the role that you’re passionate about. Also, discuss how you’ve grown in your position. Don’t be shy about achievements!
Finally, wrap it up with your plans for the future. This can include how you intend to continue to build up your skills or why you’d be a great fit for the new role in question.
Communicate what you want
If you want to master how to create an elevator pitch, you have to excel in this category—this is your chance to shine. When you meet with a potential employer, it’s important that you communicate your intentions. In other words, what’s your end goal?
If you’ve had great success in your current role and want a more challenging opportunity, ask for it. If you’re looking to develop a connection within your network, ask for it. After all, an effective elevator pitch includes a selling point that’s advantageous to both you and the receiving person.
We suggest involving a future employer in the conversation as much as possible. This helps ensure that they feel comfortable with you and that they see the potential you could have in their company.
The power of practice
Practice your pitch in front of friends, family, or a career counselor and ask for advice. Can’t find an audience? Use your mirror and stay critical. Without utilizing the performing and revising process, you might be missing valuable feedback that could improve your speech.
Another essential part of mastering the elevator pitch is ensuring it’s memorized. In life, you can’t always have a cheat sheet with you, so be sure your pitch is polished. Although memorization is helpful, it’s important to sound authentic and unrehearsed—and don’t forget to stay positive and enthusiastic!
Edit, edit, and edit again
The tricky part about crafting your pitch is putting yourself in the listener’s shoes. You don’t have to include super technical information; only a statistic or two for evidence will do. Covering too much data could lose your potential employer’s focus. You also don’t have to include every talking point. But what about the questions? Naturally, employers will ask you to provide more information after your time is up. This is normal! Make sure you’re prepared by coming up with answers to specific scenarios beforehand. While perfection doesn’t exist, your elevator pitch has to come close!
Now, in combination with everything we just covered, here are some elevator pitch examples for job seekers such as yourself.
Example #1: My name is Annie Wright. I’ve been interested in marine biology for over 15 years, and this past year, I accepted a position as an educator at my local aquarium. I recently graduated with a master’s degree in marine biology from the Florida Institute of Technology, and it’s only accelerated my love for wildlife and ocean conservation.
Keeping the public informed about how they can save marine wildlife is extremely important to me. Through my role as an educator, I’ve been able to develop relationships with adults and children, and we’ve seen a 20% increase in charitable donations over the past 12 months.
As your Director of Customer Relations, I would continue to assure the satisfaction of the public while building upon my leadership skills. Additionally, I could ensure maximum awareness for conservation efforts.
Example #2: Hi, I’m John Francis Weber, and I’ve been working in the entertainment industry for five years. I currently work as a production assistant for The Michael Herrington Morning Show, where I’ve been for the past two years.
This role has helped me become well-versed in television production, and I’ve been able to develop strong relationships with the rest of the crew. In the future, I hope to direct television comedies and reality shows. At this point in my career, while I’m enjoying what I currently do, I’d like to take the next step and develop my skills as a director. When I came across your company’s posting for an assistant director, I thought it’d be the perfect fit for me.
These examples have a clear introduction, brief background information, positive interactions within current roles, and specific hopes for the future.
We hope you’ve found our tips helpful. If you’d like even more information about how to create an elevator pitch, Burnett’s Staffing offers numerous resources. We encourage you to revise your speech regularly, and sure enough, you’ll have a pitch that’s ready no matter where you are. An elevator pitch is your big moment to earn yourself a connection or even a new job! As always, we wish you the best of luck in your professional endeavors.