What is an Elevator Pitch? Examples for Students and Job Seekers

So what is an elevator pitch?

Let’s say you get into an elevator and someone who could help you out in your career boards after you. You only have a short amount of time to engage with this person.

Would you know how to clearly communicate your strengths and attributes in a compelling way? Other more practical situations where you may need to give an elevator pitch would be scenarios like networking events or job interviews.

An elevator pitch typically consists of a few elements. It’s usually 30 to 60 seconds in length and about 4 to 5 sentences long. Remember you’re making your first impression with your elevator pitch so take some time to prepare what you’re going to say.

There are several elements you should look to include in your elevator pitch. Start with your name and then go into things like your educational background, professional experiences and important skills.

Remember to be yourself

Communicate how you can add value and avoid things like hobbies using cliche words and sharing anything too personal and last but not least practice. There are also subtle nonverbal elements of an elevator pitch that can make a huge difference.

Remember to dress professionally, give a strong handshake, maintain eye contact but don’t forget to blink, don’t smoke beforehand, don’t use too much jargon, maintain personal space, be pleasant and approachable, and try to relax.

“If you can’t explain it simply, you don’t understand it well enough: – Albert Einstein

Some more tips for delivering a successful elevator pitch are to let it flow. You’re having a conversation so don’t try to memorize too much. Try to naturally work the employer or organization into your pitch and think about using your elevator pitch in emails or even as your professional summary on your resume or personal profile.

Now that you’re ready let’s take a look at an example elevator pitch.

“Hello, my name is Xolani Ndlovu. I’m a student at XYZ University pursuing a degree in Marketing.

On-campus I’m involved in the Marketing Association as well as a Professional Sales Association. On-campus I’m also known as an admissions student leader and just recently got hired to be a Resident Assistant for the school year 2021 to 2022.

I’m very passionate about helping people and providing them the tools they may need to meet their potential. In high school, I was awarded the Community Service Award with the highest level for all four years.

I hope to continue this passion through working for a company in their sales department as well as involving myself in the development of my surrounding community. A few of the skills I’ve adapted through the years are adaptability through traveling to different provinces for school-related trips. Critical thinking which I’ve acquired through my part-time retail job by balancing several different things at once as well as making sure I’m organised to ensure that I provide the best experience and service to customers. And finally, leadership skills which I’ve acquired through years of leading successful group projects as well as acting as an interim store supervisor at my local retail job.

Thank you so much for your time today and if any positions open up in your sales department I hope you think of me. Thank you.”

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