When you’re preparing to present yourself professionally, one tool stands out as your strongest first impression: the Elevator Pitch.
It’s your personal headline — a sharp, memorable introduction that captures who you are and what you bring to the table.

But what exactly is an elevator pitch? How do you build one? What should it include, how should you deliver it, and what should you avoid?

Here’s your quick and handy Cheat Sheet on crafting the perfect Elevator Pitch.

WHAT IS AN ELEVATOR PITCH

An Elevator Pitch is a brief overview of your professional and educational accomplishments

And information relevant to your skills and career goals. 

You use it when you introduce yourself to people in networking situations and career fairs 

Or answer the interview question, “tell me about yourself.” 

It’s also your professional summary on your resume and LinkedIn profile.

In essence, an elevator pitch is a 30-60 second “commercial” about you 

Your elevator pitch demonstrates your experiences, capabilities and expertise

It is an icebreaker that should lead the listener to ask more questions because they want to learn more about you. 

How to Write an Elevator Pitch

No two elevator pitches are alike since everyone has different backgrounds and experiences to bring to the plate. 

While the content varies, they all share similar elements.

1. NAME

The person you’re talking to should know your name, especially if you expect them to remember you 

2. EDUCATIONAL BACKGROUND:

Mentioning the degrees you have will show employers what your qualifications are. Since they are looking for candidates with specific credentials. You can share what you’re studying and when you expect to complete your degree.

3.Professional Experiences

Be sure to include your contributions to the professional landscape as well.  If you are coming right out of college with an internship or two with you let employers know you have work experience.

4. Your Value

A strong elevator pitch will communicate how you can be beneficial to an organization. You can do this if you review the job description that interests you and determine how your skills and experiences apply to the position.

Some of the questions you can ask yourself are:

  • How are you trying to connect with that person?
  • What is the meaning of the relationship that you are trying to establish?
  • Can you help that person?

What to Avoid in an Elevator Pitch

When done well, your elevator pitch should help you make a positive first impression and stand out to employers.  To do this, you should avoid cliches, jargon and anything too personal.

Cliches

Avoid using cliche words such as “hardworking” , “well mannered”, “get along well with people”, “have leadership skills” etc. Everyone uses those words. Think a little bit more deeply about what you’re saying to make them (employers) more interested.”

Jargon

Jargon exists in many industries, but you don’t want to use too much of it in your elevator pitch.  To determine how much you should include, you should consider who you are talking to. Are you talking to a recruiting agency or someone from human resources? If so, exercise limited jargon because they may not share your vocabulary; use just enough to demonstrate your knowledge of the industry.

If you’re talking to someone in the same field as you, you can use technical terms. But be sure that you  know the meanings.. 

Personal Details

You should also avoid anything too personal in your pitch. Stay professional, don’t include unnecessary family details or irrelevant hobbies and interests.

Other Helpful Elevator Pitch Tips

Now that you have an idea of what you should and should not include in your elevator pitch, you’re ready to think about the actual delivery.

Make Your Pitch Adaptable

The content you include in your pitch and your goals for delivering it should vary by situation. 

Your elevator pitch is going to evolve depending on the setting and your purpose for using it.

You should also try to tailor your pitch to the employer, when possible, which means it will likely be different every time.

Your elevator pitch is an overview of your experiences. So, as you advance in the professional world, so should your elevator pitch.

Pay Attention to the Nonverbals

Your body language is an essential component of an elevator pitch. 

A positive attitude and nonverbal communication will make you look confident and comfortable, which will strengthen your presentation. 

“It’s not just what you say; it’s the energy with which you approach anyone.

  • Dress professionally
  • Offer a strong, firm handshake
  • Maintain eye contact, but don’t stare
  • Smile
  • Lead forward slightly
  • Don’t cross your arms
  • Don’t stand too close (or too far away)
  • Don’t smoke beforehand

In addition to these tips, make sure you look approachable. 

Even if you’re nervous, try your best to relax because your nonverbal communication may convey your emotions without you even realizing it.

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