How to Write an Elevator Pitch About Yourself

By Erica Haims

An elevator pitch is one of the best techniques for landing a job you want. It’s always great to have your pitch ready for anyone that may have a role in you getting hired. You have probably heard of an elevator pitch used for sales. But everyone needs an elevator pitch, especially job seekers. 

Many people find their jobs through referrals and you will be surprised at where those referrals can be found. Friends of friends, someone you make polite conversation with on an airplane or at the grocery store. You actually never know who might be a potential lead to your next position. This is why it is always a great idea to have an elevator pitch ready to go when looking for a job. 

Origin of The Elevator Pitch 

Picture yourself in an elevator and see yourself with your future employer. You both push the buttons for your respective floors and you may have 15 - 30 seconds alone with this person. The pitch is an opportunity to tell your story. Of course, you can’t tell your entire history in 30 seconds. This is a brief introduction of you. This is your opportunity to share the best parts about yourself. 

Cutting to the Chase 

The key to a successful elevator pitch is brevity. In an interview or networking event, you will be asked “Tell me about yourself.” It is usually the first question when you meet someone, so make sure you’re ready ahead of time. You’ll use and refine your elevator pitch over and over in your lifetime. When you’re meeting with a prospective employer, you want to be succinct and be remembered, so keep that in time as you think through what to include in yours. 

Practice, Practice, Practice 

The best elevator pitches are practiced over and over again. Practice your pitch in front of the mirror, to your mentor, your partner or spouse, and your friends. This should be something that flows naturally that you are always ready to answer. The more you practice, the more comfortable you will be when you are speaking with your interviewer. 

Know Your Audience

It’s always great to have a few different versions of your elevator pitch. You may wish to tweak your pitch that pertains to the specific role that you are applying for or craft a version for networking events where you don’t know what opportunities may arise. 

What to Include in Your Elevator Pitch

Any great elevator pitch should cover these points: 

• Who you are
• What you have accomplished 
• What you offer  
• What you want 

Examples of Elevator Pitches 

Here are some examples of what your elevator pitch could look like. Of course, it should be tailored to you:

Student Elevator Pitch Example

Hi, I’m Jessica. I am about to receive my master’s degree at my school with a focus on special education. I have been student teaching at the local elementary school, which has been an incredible experience. Ultimately, I want to work with autistic children once I have all of my certifications in place. 

Professor Elevator Pitch Example

I’m John and I am an Anthropology Professor. I currently work at a community college in Sandusky, Ohio. I would like to teach at a school that ranks high in anthropology studies as well as linguistic anthropology. After spending time in the peace corps, I’ve seen firsthand how language shapes us as humans and want to encourage the next generation of professionals to appreciate the nuances of language and anthropology. 

Administrator Elevator Pitch Example

Hi, I’m Janet. I have been an assistant principal for the last five years and I volunteer with seniors on the weekends. I love that people can always learn something new, I even learn things from the seniors I meet. I’m interested in becoming the principal of a high school. I want to set the brightest minds up for success. 

The elevator pitch can become one of your best tools to find the job you want. It tells everyone you know, including your peers and friends, to be on the lookout for your next job. Your next opportunity could be anywhere, even the places you least expect. Having an elevator pitch ready at a moment's notice will be a great way to show everyone that you are ready for that next step in your career.