What’s an elevator pitch, and how can it benefit your career?
An elevator pitch – also identified as an elevator speech – is a precis of your background and experience. The reason it was dubbed an elevator pitch is that your speech should be short enough to present during a short elevator ride.
This speech should entail: who you are, what you do, and what you want to do (if you’re job hunting).
If done right, this short speech is meant to help you present yourself to career and business networks in a riveting way. Additionally, it can help expand your network, land a job, or connect with new colleagues on your first day of work.
When and How to Use an Elevator Speech
If you’re still looking for a job, you can use your elevator pitch at job fairs, career expos, or online in your LinkedIn summary, for instance. This is a great technique for you to increase your confidence when introducing yourself to recruiters and company representatives. When attending professional programs, networking events or any other related event, ensure you have your pitch ready to share with those you encounter.
Your elevator pitch can also be used to prepare for the most common questions in an interview which is, “Tell me about yourself”
What to Say
Your elevator speech should be concise. Limit it to 30-60 seconds. It should be a brief summary of who you are and what you do.
You need to be convincing. Even though it’s a short pitch, your speech should be captivating enough to spark the listener’s inquisitiveness in your idea, organization, or background.
Share your skills. Your pitch should include who you are and the skills and qualifications you possess. Attempt to concentrate on assets that add value in multiple situations. Avoid sounding conceited, but do impress the listener with what you bring to the table.
Practice, practice, practice. The best way to get you to feel confident during your pitch is to practice as much as you can. The point of this is to be able to make an elevator speech that is executed with speed without sounding robotic. The more you practice, the easier it will be to deliver your message with ease.
Be positive and flexible. Usually, when delivering your pitch, you are often not interviewing for a definite position. Therefore, you need to appear open-minded and flexible. For instance, if you don’t want a job that requires you to frequently travel, there’s no need for you to volunteer that information right off the bat. Instead, this is your chance to make a great first impression by showing a positive attitude and displaying flexibility. So, don’t waste it!
Mention your goals. You don’t need to be too detailed since your pitch will be used in several circumstances, and with numerous different kinds of people. But you do need to remember to say what you’re looking for. For instance, you might say “a role in Information and Communication Technology” or “an opportunity to apply my communications experience in a new industry”.
What NOT to Say
Don’t speak too fast. Yes, you have a small amount of time to pitch crucial information. But don’t try to fix this predicament by talking hurriedly. It’ll only make it difficult for listeners to grasp your message.
Avoid rambling. This is why it is very crucial that you practice your elevator pitch. Don’t over-practice and afterward sound unnatural. The point of practicing is to be clear, focused, and on track. Remember to give the listener an opportunity to chime in or reply.
Avoid frowning, or speaking in a monotone manner. The downside to rehearsing is that sometimes the focus is on remembering the exact words and less on how you’re carrying yourself. Remember to maintain high levels of energy, confidence, and enthusiasm.
Don’t limit yourself to a single elevator pitch. Some people are interested in pursuing two fields such as Public Relations and content strategy. Though several of your communication skills will apply to both those fields, it is important to modify your pitch depending on who you are interacting with. You may also need to consider preparing a more casual, personal pitch for social settings.
Elevator Pitch Examples
“I have a decade’s worth of experience in accounting, working mostly with small and midsize firms. If your establishment is ever in need of an additional set of hands, I’d be elated to consult.”
“I just graduated from university with a bachelor’s degree in communications. I was working with the university’s magazine and yearbook as a content developer, and eventually, as the editor of the arts section. I’m looking for a job that will put my skills as a content specialist to work.”
“I create illustrations for websites and brands. My passion is developing creative messages for marketing and promotional materials, and drawing witty illustrations that people share on social media.”
