Conquering the Elevator Pitch in 60 Seconds or Less

Tell me about yourself.

The most cliché opening statement that job seekers encounter at almost every job interview. Also, the statement that causes them the most stress. Despite knowing ourselves, we often stumble when asked about ourselves, overthinking what we should share or not share and how to say it. However, taking the time to craft the infamous “elevator pitch” might help you to navigate this question and articulate who you are, what you want, and why they should hire you!

An elevator pitch is someone’s monologue that shares what and why someone else should be interested in what you are selling or have to offer. When it comes to the job search, you present your elevator pitch on your resume, phone screen, and interview. Whether you are delivering your elevator pitch in writing or verbally, it should be impactful and straight to the point. Think of your elevator pitch as persuading the other person to understand how you can help them make money, save time, or solve their problem. 

Your elevator pitch must encompass your 1) most impactful skillsets, 2) remarkable accomplishments, and short- or long-term professional goals. While there are nuances in communicating your elevator pitch verbally or in written form, these components should be encompassed in both.

The Verbal Elevator Pitch

Networking events, restaurants, and conferences are just some examples of times that you might be required to recite your elevator pitch to others. When introducing, your primary goal should be piquing their interest and leaving them wanting more. But how do you do this? You follow the formula. 

Start by introducing yourself warmly and stating your name and job title. If you are currently unemployed, you should present your title as an industry leader in your field. Sharing this information provides context to the receiver and helps to frame their thinking. Next, state your most impactful skills and tie them to remarkable accomplishments that communicate your impact. Finally, close with one of your career aspirations or goals, which helps the other person identify how they can assist you.

Hi, my name is Diana, and I am a Vice Principal of Special Education. I leverage my relationship-building and backward planning skills to create a Special Educational Department that increases collaboration between families and teachers. My caseload of students, on average, has increased their reading level by 1 year within 4 months, because of shared efforts at home and at school. I love being in the school setting, but I am looking to launch a consulting business to assist charter schools in creating culturally responsive and collaborative Special Education initiatives and programming.

 My elevator pitch contains all the components required, but it can also be delivered in 1 minute or less. Like all other aspects of the job search process, intentionally is vital in your elevator pitch. You want to communicate your greatness and why the other person should hire or date you like a first date. On a first date, I wouldn’t share if I was unemployed, depressed, or didn’t believe in the 9-5 work schedule; thus, I wouldn’t share that information either upon the first encounter with a network or job opportunity. Share only what the other person needs to know to make them want to know more, leaving the touchy subjects for if things continue to progress. You want to find the happy medium between presenting your skills and personality to make them like you.

The Written Elevator Pitch 

Your written elevator pitch can be utilized on LinkedIn, during email introductions, requests for informational interviews, and on your resume! If your resume does not contain a summary, add one immediately! Resume summaries communicate your skills and impact and convince recruiters and hiring managers to read more! Remember, it is all about framing what others should think about you, your experiences, and your skillset.

The basis of your written pitch should communicate what you do, how you do it, and the impact of your work in 5 sentences or less. Your opening should be descriptive and serve as a hook to grab the reader’s attention. After explaining your top marketable skills, you should quantify your accomplishments to present why you are the perfect candidate be for the role. While it would be awkward to speak to your certifications when giving your verbal elevator pitch, it is highly suggested in your summary, especially if it is a highly coveted and desired certification. (ie. SHRM)

Certified Financial Planner with extensive experience in assisting clients in implementing cost-saving and debt pay-off strategies to afford the lifestyle they desire. I conduct in-depth assessments with clients to identify their financial goals and create realistic financial plans aligned to their lifestyle, income, and debts. I also implement client accountability measures through bi-weekly meetings, encouragement, and engagement. As a result, I have recently helped clients clear $60 - $100k in debt within 14 months while simultaneously saving at least $100 each month for emergency expenses. 

Bottom line, your elevator pitch should communicate how you are different and better than the rest. If you seek diverse opportunities, you may need to craft variations of your elevator pitch based on what you want. For example, I would communicate differently when applying for a school-based job than I would when introducing myself for a resume writing event. After you have drafted your pitch, send it to others to gather their feedback. 

Tweak it, perfect it, and deliver it! 

Diana Williams, Resume Tailor