Elevator Pitch - Texas A&M Career Center

Creating an Elevator Pitch: Brainstorming Your Experiences

Crafting an effective elevator pitch requires you to start by brainstorming your experiences. This means identifying your achievements, skills, and attributes that will make you stand out to potential employers.

Here are the four categories you should consider and some examples of what to include in each:

I. Education

The schools you attended, degrees you earned, and relevant courses you took
Certifications, licenses, or other credentials you hold
Any educational goals or aspirations you have for the future

II. Experiential

Organizations, clubs, or groups you belong to or have belonged to
Travel experiences or cultural immersion programs you participated in
Research projects or publications you contributed to
Contests or competitions you won or placed in
Hobbies or personal projects you are passionate about

III. Professional

Part-time or full-time jobs you have held
Internships, co-ops, or apprenticeships you completed
Relevant industry experiences, such as volunteering or freelance work
Awards or recognition you received for your work

IV. Personal

Unique personality traits or interests that make you stand out
Your cultural background or experiences growing up
Languages you speak or cultural experiences you've had
Any other personal attributes or skills that set you apart

Personalizing Your Story

Once you have brainstormed your experiences, it's time to tailor your pitch to the job you want. Circle the 6-10 most relevant bullets from your brainstorming list that demonstrate you are a great fit for the position.

Organizing Your Bullets

To craft a compelling story, you need to organize your bullets in a logical and engaging way. Consider using the following order:

Start with your present education and current projects.
Move on to past education, experiences, internships, and projects.
Conclude by discussing your future goals and how they align with the company's mission.

Try to use no more than one or two personal attributes, and make sure your elevator pitch is professional and relevant to the job you want.

Practice Your Elevator Pitch

Finally, practice your pitch until it feels natural and confident. You want to be able to deliver it smoothly and concisely in any situation, whether you are networking at a job fair or interviewing for a new position. Practice in front of a mirror, record yourself speaking, or ask a friend or mentor to give you feedback. By refining your pitch, you can increase your chances of landing your dream job.