Building and Delivering a Great Elevator Pitch

Elevator Pitch

One of the best skills you can build is your ability to get across who you are and what you do in a very short period of time. Especially if you’re at a networking event, where many job seekers are able to talk to potential employers, there are many situations where you’ll be able to show off your elevator pitch. Here’s how you can create a basic elevator pitch to use at job fairs and beyond.

What Is an Elevator Pitch?

An elevator pitch is essentially a sales pitch for yourself. It’s named an elevator pitch or elevator speech because you should be able your pitch give the whole thing in the amount of time it would take for you to take an elevator ride to the top floor of a tall business building (in other words, within about 30 seconds). Entrepreneurs often need elevator pitches to encourage investors in their startups, and you might need your own elevator pitch to explain your work background if you’re looking for a new job.

How To Create the Structure of Your Elevator Pitch

Now that you know what an elevator pitch does, how can you create your own? This is how you can create a good elevator pitch to make a great first impression.

1. Hook the listener

   The first step is to make sure the hiring manager actually listens to the whole thing. That means the perfect elevator pitch should start with something that immediately brings the listener in. A question such as, “Do you know how most people shop for their groceries?” brings the recruiter in and engages them with whatever you’re saying.

2. Explain your job

   Next, you’ll do a quick explanation of what you do. An effective elevator pitch describes your job; it doesn’t just drop your job title. “I’m a salesperson” doesn’t sound as good as “I help business owners connect with small businesses to provide individualized support for their needs.” It answers the question, “Who are you?” Remember that this description should also tell the person why they might want to hire you. This description needs to show how you can effectively manage their pain points.

3. Drop your best achievement

   Next, include your best achievement. This achievement is your unique selling proposition. It shows the key points that indicate why you’re the right person for this job. Your achievement may be something like, “I studied body language for six years and have effectively utilized it to help over 100 individuals sell their businesses.” It showcases that you have talent and that you can use that talent to help the person you’re talking to.

4. Include a call to action

   Lastly, you need a call to action. This may be as simple as handing someone your business card and saying, “Let me know if my skills would be useful at your organization.” You want them to follow up with you and call you in for a job interview. Ending your elevator pitch with a call to action helps you ensure this.