Discover 8 Great Tips For Perfecting Your Personal Elevator Pitch

You know you have the qualifications, skills, and great personality that’s perfect for that new job, promotion, or business venture. You’re sure that if you had a few moments with an influential manager or investor, you can convince them to give you a chance. But what do you do when they’re actually right beside you, asking you about yourself?

Being able to give a short talk about yourself and your unique talents is a useful skill for building relationships, establishing contacts, and projecting confidence. 

If you have a self-promotional spiel, called an ‘elevator pitch,’ down pat in a one-minute talk, then you have a gameplan for when you are up for a job interview, at a networking event, or in an elevator standing right next to the company CEO.

What’s an Elevator Pitch?

Some might think of an elevator pitch as a message that briefly sums up their organization and products or services, but it’s just as important to have a personal elevator pitch that will help you promote your own accomplishments and make others aware of your potential.

A personal elevator pitch is a very short (60 to 75 seconds) and compelling introduction of yourself, what you do, what you can do that’s outside the scope of your present job, and your own unique selling point that sets you apart from others in your field. 

Done properly, it should hold your audience for the short time it takes for an elevator ride, and quickly communicate enough about yourself to interest your audience and open up a dialogue between you.  

Why Do I Need a Personal Elevator Pitch?

A pitch is useful in many different situations, and not just for an actual elevator ride! Here are some scenarios where you can use a personal elevator pitch:

At a networking event or job fair

At such events, where there are many different booths to approach and people to talk to, as well as many other ‘competitors’ or fellow jobseekers such as yourself, a personal elevator pitch that’s prepared ahead of time will give you an edge over the rest. It can help hirers remember you and your accomplishments, and could mean a callback for you to apply.

In a cover letter

Start off your letter strong with a personal elevator pitch to highlight your qualifications, skills, and capabilities. You can then build on that by segueing to your significant work experiences and other important points that you want a prospective employer to know about you and take into consideration when making a hiring decision.    

Also read: Application Letters for Fresh Graduates: See Two Samples That Work

In a summary statement on your resume

A summary statement should tell potential emploers about who you are professionally, what you’re good at, what kind of work you do, and why you are qualified for the position in a way that sets you apart from other applicants. Instead of starting your resume with a templated opening such as, ‘My career objectives are…'' begin with your well-written elevator pitch. 

Also read: Yes, A Two-Page Resume Is Effective: 3 Writing Tips To Keep In Mind

In a job interview

Recruiters often ask you to briefly tell them about yourself and your abilities. Having a short but well-organized, honest, and meaningful answer shows that you’ve given the matter a lot of thought and that you are clear in your own mind about your capabilities and what you can contribute to the company.

Also read: Answer These! Top 12 Common Job Interview Questions Asked By Philippine Companies

On social media

A compelling personal elevator pitch that you can share on your social media platforms, particularly LinkedIn and other professional networks, tells potential employers about yourself, what you can do – and potentially, do for them and their organization.

On an elevator ride – and other up-close-and-personal moments! 

You’ll never know when the opportunity will arise for you to connect one-on-one with someone who can help give your career a boost, whether it’s with a new job, a transfer, or a promotion.

Eight Great Tips For Writing That Perfect Elevator Pitch

Customize your elevator speech to focus on who you are, and what you have to offer that’s unique and special. Be honest, polite, and respectful. These eight tips will help you put together an elevator speech that’s memorable and effective. 

Craft an impressive introduction. 

Start by introducing yourself, your job position, and company (if relevant). Give a short overview of what you do, and the skills and qualifications that help you do your job well.

Know your value.

Tell them your unique selling point, something that’s out of the ordinary that you can do or something that you’ve gotten very good at because of your work experience. Some of these may be the transferable skills you have, special projects you’ve worked on (whether at work or school), and industry-specific trainings you’ve attended.  

Set your priorities.

Find out what’s important to you as a person, such as your goals, values, and advocacies, and see how you can work this into propositions for contributing to the organization. Be specific. For example: “I am an environmental advocate, and I’d love to use what I’ve learned to help with the company’s corporate social responsibility program.” 

Focus on the significant, not the latest.

Your most recent job experience shouldn’t necessarily be what you talk about first. Think about who you’re talking to and lead with your most relevant skills or experience. You may have had internships, research studies, or volunteer experience that will likely be more impressive to potential employers than your most current job.

Focus on skills.

Talk about your relevant skills and how your experience is applicable to the organization’s situation.

Also read: Top 9 Must-Have Skills To Boost Your Career Now

Connect the dots.

Your pitch should tell a cohesive story. Bring together the richness of your experiences as a student leader in getting projects and activities done while in school and how you applied this experience to your OJT days as a marketing assistant. When you demonstrate how they add up, people will have a better grasp of your potential.

Make it meaningful. 

Tailor your personal elevator pitch to the person you’re speaking with or writing to. Give details about what you’ve done and can do for them. Rather than say, “I’ve worked in marketing communications at De La Cruz Drugstore for two years,” instead say: “I grew the company’s social media following by 300% during my first two months on the job.”

Add a call to action.

End with a brief goal statement such as asking for a chance to apply, or for a meeting or interview. Be considerate of your audience’s time and the place and situation you’re in. 

Personal Elevator Pitch Examples

Here are some elevator pitch examples to help you get started:

For a student

Hello, I’m Jane Ortiz. As a journalism student at San Juan University, I provide information to readers that help them understand current events. I have hands-on experience as an editor and writer for the school newspaper, and I also contribute articles to major newspapers. I am ready to contribute to your news organization and would appreciate a chance to intern with your team.

For a jobseeker

Hi, I’m Ray Lovano. I recently obtained an MBA that I would like to put to good use with a company that’s seeking to expand its business. I have experience in working as a business development officer and have a wide network that allows me to be effective in tackling the responsibilities of this position.   

For an entrepreneur

I’ve owned and managed Bold Graphics Design for three years. My team creates polished and great-looking websites that not only attract readers but also convert them into customers. I know we can enhance your company’s website into a more effective platform for your goods and services. Please check out our portfolio to see how we can help you. 

Pitch Yourself!

Once you’ve crafted your personalized elevator pitch, memorize it and keep it updated because you’ll never know when opportunity will come knocking. Practice delivering your pitch at home, in front of the mirror if you need to, and think about how to adjust it depending on the particular situation. 

Above all, be confident and believe in yourself!

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