You’re in an elevator with a prospective employer. You’ve got 60 seconds before they get off, what’s your pitch?

An elevator pitch succinctly communities who you are, what you do, and what unique value you bring to the professional world.  It’s a great tool when you need to introduce yourself at career fairs, conferences, and networking events. Ideally, your elevator pitch is compelling enough to spark a conversation or opens the door for a follow-up conversation in the future.

Elevator Pitch Essentials

  • Write a brief list of ways you describe yourself. Consider the audience you would be addressing and try to tailor the list.
  • Focus on items such as area of study, degree, co-curricular activities you are participating in, etc.
  • Mention possible connections such as individuals in the same department, similar backgrounds, and/or alumni.

Example

Hi, I’m Ibis Cane, a junior studying journalism with a minor in advertising at the University of Miami.  As the current editor for the Hurricanes Newspaper, I bring a passion for storytelling and a keen editorial eye to the forefront.

  • Give 1-2 examples of how your strengths and professional background relate to the organization or position.
  • What are the skills and experiences you have that drive your career focus? How can you make a connection with the person that will help them understand what your career goals and priorities are. Specific items to address might include:
    • Skills: What skills will you bring to a job/internship, and how did you gain them?
    • Values/Passion: What do you really care about related to your career goals? What drives your interests?

Example

As the current editor for the Hurricanes Newspaper, I bring a passion for storytelling and a keen editorial eye to the forefront. I specialize in creating compelling narratives that resonate with diverse audiences. My dedication to journalistic integrity, coupled with my hands-on experience in advertising, positions me as a dynamic communicator ready to bring fresh perspectives to the media landscape.

  • Be curious. People enjoy being asked about their interests and experiences.
  • Questions can be as simple as requesting advice or sharing information. For example:
    • What do you do?
    • How did you get involved in this field?
    • What do you spend most of your time at work doing?
    • What advice would you give someone entering this field?
  • Keep in mind to include a request to stay connected. Follow up via email or LinkedIn.

Examples

I came to this networking event to connect with our alumni and learn about how they navigated their career paths. I’m looking to expand my skillset into more investigative journalism. What skills are the most important for your job?

I really appreciated your presentation today about [insert something about the talk/info session]. I know there’s a long line of people waiting to talk with you. Would you mind if I follow up with an email to ask you for advice on how I might find an internship in at a publication this summer.

I find the work your advertising team does to be innovative and refreshing. Would you be able to tell me if your organization has any internship opportunities, and how I might go about applying?

Key Takeaways

  • Keep It Brief — aim to deliver your message in 60 seconds or less. Say who you are, what you do, and what you want to acheive.

  • Tailor your pitch– Prioritize information that is most relevant to your audience. For example, you might be interested in public relations and marketing. Your experiences and skillset will apply to both, but you’ll want to tailor your pitch depending on who you’re speaking to. Additionally, you might have a more casual, personal pitch prepared for social settings.

  • Practice, Practice, Practice — it’s going to be feel awkward the first few times you try to introduce yourself. By practicing you will avoid any rambling and unclear pitches. The more you practice and the more you do it, the more comfortable and natural it will become.

  • Ask a Question — No one wants to be talked to. Give the person you’re talking to a way to be helpful. Whether it’s sharing information, making a professional contact, or letting them know how they can help you.

  • Follow Up — Use email or LinkedIn to follow up. Remind the person how you two met, what you spoke about, thank them for their time and find a way to continue the conversation.