What is an elevator pitch?
The term elevator pitch evolved as a way to describe a 30-second spiel about who you are, what you have to offer and why someone should hire you. The premise is that if you were ever lucky enough to share a 30-second elevator ride with someone with the potential to hire you, you could confidently describe why they should.
How do you create a good elevator pitch?
The easiest and most effective way to create your own elevator pitch is to start by identifying your unique selling points or USPs. Try brainstorming on a sheet of paper or on your computer if you prefer. Identify all the skills, experience, interests, passions etc. that make you unique.
Think about your accomplishments and include these in your pitch to really make you stand out. Have you managed to boost sales, increase revenue, improve systems or win awards?
For example:
“I’m a Business Development Director at [co. name] where I’ve increased our client base by over 60% and boosted revenue by 120% in the past year. I’d love to learn more about your company and see if there’s an opportunity for me to add value to your team.”
Your ‘call to action’ will depend on the circumstances and your desired outcome. If you’re actively looking for a new role say so! if you just want to build your network, exchange contact details and agree to keep in touch on the premise of learning more about the company, its challenges or opportunities.
How do you create a good elevator pitch?
You can use your elevator pitch whenever the opportunity arises. This could be during formal or information job interviews, at networking events or if you’re ever lucky enough to share an elevator with a decision maker of an organisation you fancy working for!
The trick to a successful elevator pitch is being able to express it in a natural, unrehearsed way. This might seem easier said than done but you will feel more comfortable more you practice. Try giving your elevator pitch to a friend or family member and ask them for feedback.
The right tone and pitch of your voice along with a good pace will help make your elevator pitch memorable. Slow down and try not to rush your message so that the words gain more impact. This will help you come across as confident and enthusiastic rather than desperate.
Depending on the context in which you are delivering your elevator pitch, your call to action might be:
- Could I make a time with you to discuss the value I could bring to your team?
- Does my background and skill set seem like a good fit for the company?
- Are you aware of any opportunities at the moment?
- Would it be worth me emailing you a copy of my CV in case something comes up that might be a good fit for me?
Handling questions in response to your elevator pitch
You should be ready to answer questions on the back of your elevator pitch. The reality is you’re unlikely to be in an actual elevator when you use your elevator pitch. It’s also unlikely you will have just 30 seconds to communicate with the person you are pitching to. Some of the questions you might find being asked after using your elevator pitch could be:
- What do you see as the next steps in your career?
- Why do you want to leave your current company?
- What are your long-term career goals?
- Why do you want to work for us?
- How could you bring value to our team/project/company?
So the next time you have the chance to market yourself, don’t forget to use your elevator pitch.
Lisa LaRue, MCareerDev, RCDP, MAC
Career Coach, EMCC-Accredited Master Practitioner Coach and CDI-Registered Career Development Professional with more than 20 years’ experience helping achieve successful and fulfilling careers.
