How to Create an Effective Elevator Pitch

We all know networking is key for expanding career prospects and making important connections. But networking often involves brief conversations and swift introductions, which makes it difficult to get across who you are in a compelling way.

Creating an elevator pitch is a great way to introduce yourself effectively within a short amount of time – and make sure people remember you afterwards. Here, we illustrate how to create the perfect elevator pitch, so you can network like a professional.

What exactly is an elevator pitch?

An elevator pitch is a succinct, persuasive speech that introduces yourself, your company, or a product in around the time a short elevator ride takes (30 to 60 seconds) – hence the name.

When giving a personal elevator pitch, you want people to come away from it with a lasting positive impression that leads to follow-up communication, and to understand what you bring the table. This may sound daunting, but with a little preparation you’ll be able to achieve this with ease.

Steps to craft your elevator pitch

Before you land that interview or enter that networking event, you need to write an elevator pitch that will grab attention swiftly. However, this isn’t a script, and you shouldn’t be robotically reciting – writing it down simply ensures you remember the key points to hit when the time comes.

1. Introduce yourself

This may sound obvious, but nerves can take over, and when they do it’s easy to forget social norms. Simply saying hello, your name and a “Nice to meet you” is enough – remember, you only have 30 to 60 seconds to make an impression.

2. Summarise what you do and how you’re unique

Now for the trickiest part – condensing your background into a few sentences. To do this, write down everything about your education, work experience, and achievements. Really focus on what you want people to know and eliminate anything unnecessary. The key here is to showcase how you what you do and the outcomes you achieve.

Think about your USP (unique selling proposition). What makes you stand out from the crowd? If you can’t find one specific factor, consider combinations of skills and experience that are unique to you.

This will take several attempts, but you’ll end up with a crisp, punchy summary that will swiftly grab attention and leave people wanting to know more.

3. Practice, practice, and practice again

Practice your pitch with a friend or colleague and say it out loud to yourself. You can also record it and play it back. You’ll be able to catch weak points and unnecessary words, as well as make sure the timing is right. Keep practicing your pitch until the tone is natural and conversational. The more you practice, the more comfortable you will feel when delivering it.

4. Touch on your goals

It’s important to say what you want, but you don’t need to be too specific as you’ll be using your pitch in various situations with different people. For example, saying “the opportunity to expand my PR skills” or “a role within this new market” is enough to convey what you want, without limiting yourself too much.

5. Finish with a call to action

The end of your elevator pitch should be about what happens next. What do you want out of this? Perhaps it’s to set up a meeting, show interest in a role or area, or you’re looking for a mentor. Don’t be afraid to say what you want – after all, this is one of the main aims of your pitch.

Finally, thank them for their time and exchange contact information. It’s a good idea to send a follow-up email, to thank them again and to continue the communication.

Elevator pitch dos and don’ts

• Speak clearly and slowly. You’ve already practiced your pitch and timed it, so there’s no need to rush. Remember: clear, concise, and confident.
• Be positive and natural. Smile and deliver your pitch in a friendly, conversational manner. Avoid focusing too much on saying the exact words, as you’ll come across as rehearsed and un-genuine.
• Know your audience. Keep your pitch clear of jargon. You want everyone to understand what you’re talking about, so make sure the language you use is focused and simple.
• Stick to the point. In the moment, it’s easy to start rambling. Remember what you’ve learned when practicing your pitch and stay on track. This isn’t a lecture – allow your audience to ask questions or respond to enable a more natural flow.

Are you getting started on your career path? Or would you like to learn more about the job market? Take a look at our Salary Guide to gain insight into the world of work.

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