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Developing Your Elevator Pitch

What if you only had as long as an elevator ride to impress your future boss? A solid elevator pitch is a great way to introduce yourself to employers and showcase what you can bring to their company. Be ready to impress by creating a one minute (or less) elevator pitch.

The Elevator Pitch: Speaking About Yourself With Confidence

What is it?

A short professional statement about your experiences, interests and strengths and how you can make a difference for an employer. It's your opportunity to tell them how you uniquely can make an impact in their workplace. This also means that your elevator pitch will change based on your audience.

When to use it:

  • Networking events
  • Career expos
  • Informational interviews
  • Internship interviews
  • Job interview preparation
  • When making new professional relationships

    Create an Elevator Pitch

    How to Structure Your Pitch

    Option 1:

    • a. Who you are
    • b. Skills/Experience
    • c. Interests

    Option 2:

    • a. Who you are
    • b. Hook/Story
    • c. Relevant Skills/Experience
    • d. Goals

    What Makes A Standout Elevator Pitch?

    • Keep it short and sweet
    • Introduce yourself
    • Be engaging and show personality
    • Talk about what you are interested in/looking for
    • Talk about your experiences and strengths
    • Show how you would add value to an employer’s company
    • Show interest by asking a question about the company

    Questions to Think Through

    • What do people say you're good at?
    • Can you think of examples of where you have used your skills?
    • What things are you involved in?
    • What are you curious about?

    List of Transferrable Skills

    • Time Management
    • Resourcefulness
    • Discipline
    • Flexibility
    • Giving/Receiving Feedback
    • Team Work
    • Setting Goals
    • Accountability
    • Loyalty

    Sample Scripts

    Script Template

    Hello, my name is _________ and I'm studying / completing a _________ degree in _________. I am interested in _________. I have been involved in _________ which developed my skills in _________. Through _________ experience, I have discovered that I really enjoy _________. Could you tell me more about _________ with your organization?

    Example Scripts

    "Hello! My name is Biola Betty and I am a Business Marketing major at Biola University. In my program, I've been focusing on market research projects specifically for local nonprofit health organizations since I am interested in combining my love of social work and issues of health. I recently had the opportunity to work with Homeless Health Care Los Angeles and developed an interest in the analytics side of marketing. I would love the opportunity to learn more about this aspect and how it applies to a lifestyle brand like the Violence Prevention Coalition of Greater Los Angeles."

    "Hi! My name is Billy Biola and I am a Senior Cinema and Media Arts major. One of the obstacles I've had to overcome is learning how to balance a 25 hour commitment my part-time job and working on two different student production teams. However, I've adopted Michael Jordan's philosophy: "Obstacles don't have to stop you. If you run into a wall, don't turn around and give up. Figure out how to climb it, go through it, or work around it." My obstacles did not stop me. Instead, I developed a great sense of discipline and strong time management skills. I am very interested in learning more about pre-production in film. I believe if I join the team at ABC Company I can bring the strong work ethic I've displayed in work and academics to your
    organization."