Elevator Pitch
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.
Crafting Your Pitch
- 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
- 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
- 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
- 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.