Elevator Pitch
What is an elevator pitch?
Imagine that you are in an elevator with someone who can help you with your career because that person is in a job, industry, or company that interests you. You have less than 60 seconds to share your background and capture that person’s attention. How would you introduce yourself? What would you say? What questions would you ask? That’s your elevator pitch.
Structure of an elevator pitch
The elevator pitch can be used in any situation such as career fairs, networking events, and employer information sessions. The following components make up a succinct, but comprehensive elevator pitch:
- Who am I?
- What is my education (year and major in school)?
- What is the role that I am pursuing (industry/field)?
- What are my relevant strengths (a combination of knowledge, attributes, skills and talents/extracurriculars, organizations, volunteering activities)?
- What types of jobs/industries am I interested in?
- How can you help me or do you have any advice for me?
Examples of elevator pitches by area of study
Hi, my name is Bucky Bronco. I am a second year Psychology student at Santa Clara University and expect to graduate in (month/year). I have knowledge in social media, research, analysis, and project management. As a former member of the Women’s Rowing Team, I have developed skills to work and value working effectively as a team. I have a lot of respect for your organization and would love to learn more about the culture there, as well as opportunities to develop and contribute.
Hi, my name is Bucky Bronco. I am a first year Computer Engineering student at Santa Clara University and I expect to graduate in (month/year). I have been learning Python through my classes and growing in my knowledge in data structures/algorithms through various projects. I have a lot of admiration for your company and I understand that you have an opening. I would love to bring my technical skills and make an impact in this role. Would you be open to lending some advice and insight? / Would you be open to reviewing my resume? / May I connect with you on LinkedIn? / Do you know someone that you’d recommend I speak with?
Hi, my name is Bucky Bronco. I am a detail-oriented second year Accounting student with knowledge in financial statements, budget planning, forecasting management & analysis. I have proven ability as a collaborative communicator focused on building relationships with others. I am currently pursuing an Accounting and Information Systems degree from Santa Clara University and expecting to graduate in (Month/Year). I am looking for opportunities in the finance industry where I can utilize my skills in accounting. Would you be open to lending some advice and insight? / May I connect with you on LinkedIn? / Do you know someone that might be helpful for me to connect with?
Hi, my name is Bucky Bronco. I consider myself an innovative Front End Developer. I am currently pursuing a Computer Science and Engineering Graduate program at Santa Clara University and expect to graduate in (month/year). I am looking for a position in Front and Back End Development where I can apply my technical skills to create user-friendly websites and web applications. Can you tell me more about opportunities within your organization? / Can you share some advice on how to apply? / May I connect with you on LinkedIn? / Do you know someone that you think I should connect with?
Hi, my name is Bucky Bronco. I am looking for a position as a high-school biology teacher where I can foster curiosity and critical thinking in all young people. I also hope to share my passion for Biology and the relevance of science to our everyday lives with students. I have experience with developing an inclusive classroom environment in a diverse urban school setting, in which I supported students in meeting their academic, language, and social-emotional learning goals for the year. I have been commended for supporting student development through strong interpersonal communication and outreach, collaboration, problem-solving, and organization skills. I am currently pursuing a Masters in Teaching from Santa Clara University. Would you be open to lending some advice and insight? / May I connect with you on LinkedIn? / Is there anyone you recommend I connect with?
Hi, my name is Bucky Bronco. I am a people-oriented Counseling Psychology student with knowledge in person-centered and evidence-based interventions. I have been acknowledged for demonstrating empathy, compassion, and respect toward each individual. I am currently pursuing a Counseling Psychology Masters Program at Santa Clara University and expect to graduate in (month/year). I am looking for a position in the mental health industry where I can apply my counseling skills working with a diverse population. Would you be open to lending some advice and insight? / May I connect with you on LinkedIn? / Do you know someone that might be helpful for me?
Frequently asked questions:
It is important because you can use it in any situation in which you want to offer a short, powerful introduction to help others understand who you are in terms of your knowledge, value and skill set. Practice your elevator pitch with a friend, or in front of the mirror so you feel comfortable introducing yourself.
There will be times when your elevator pitch will benefit from an update based on your interests and on what you want to learn from your audience. Prepare 2 to 3 talking points that you can utilize when introducing yourself. Be curious during the process. It’s not about memorizing, but about feeling comfortable introducing yourself to others in a networking context.
Think about your elevator pitch as having a conversation with somebody else where you will have less than 60 seconds to share your background and interests. Your pitch essentially functions as a hook for some kind of follow-up: a longer conversation, an invitation to apply, a connection to another professional, etc. The Tell Me About Yourself question, on the other hand, is generally used during interviews when an employer wants to understand who you are. Your answer to that question helps build your credibility and set the tone for the rest of the interview, and you are often allowed more than 60 seconds to answer that.
Examples of questions to ask towards the end include: Can you tell me more about opportunities within your organization? / Can you share some advice on how to apply? / May I connect with you on LinkedIn? / Would you be open to going for a coffee or lunch? / Do you know someone that might be helpful for me to connect with?