Step 1
Create a script outlining your pitch. Note…you will not submit the script but will use it as a guide for delivering your pitch.
Begin with a Compelling Opening: Begin your elevator pitch with a compelling introduction that grabs your audience’s attention (tip…make sure to identify your audience). Mention your name and a brief statement about your background or expertise.
Identify your Skills and Experience: You should choose two or three key skills or experiences that are relevant to the situation or audience. Focus on those that are most impressive or align closely with your goals. For example, if you’re in a job interview for a marketing position, emphasize your experience in digital marketing and social media management.
Share Your Unique Marketing Points: Identify what sets you apart from others. Hint, these could be your CliftonStrengths, perhaps a unique skill, or accomplishment that makes you memorable. For instance, if you’re a graphic designer, you could mention your ability to blend creativity with strategic thinking to deliver impactful designs.
Express Your Value: Share how your skills and experience can benefit the organization. You could provide examples of past achievements or successes that showcase your capabilities. For example, maybe you are a sales professional, you could comment about how you consistently exceeded sales targets and contributed to revenue growth in previous roles.
Connect with Your Audience: This is when you tailor your pitch to resonate with the audience’s needs or interests. Display that you understand their challenges or goals and illustrate how you can help address them. When we do this, we are demonstrating empathy, and it helps to make your pitch more convincing.
Conclude with a Call to Action: Time to end your pitch with a call to action. In other words, what do you want your audience to do next? Perhaps scheduling a follow-up meeting, exchanging contact information, or discussing potential collaboration opportunities.
Practice and Polish: Remember the 6-Ps…Proper, Prior, Preparation, Prevents, Poor, Performance. Practice saying your pitch until you feel comfortable and confident. Pay attention to your tone and pace. This would be a great opportunity to practice with a friend to get feedback and make any adjustments prior to recording.
The K.I.S.S. Analogy is Best…Keep It Simple and Succinct. An elevator pitch typically lasts between 30-60 seconds so make sure to focus on those important points identified above and avoid any unnecessary details. Your goal is to leave a positive and memorable impression on your audience.
Here’s an example of an elevator pitch for someone seeking a position in Human Resources:
“Hello, I’m (Your Name). I bring over seven years of experience in human resources, specializing in talent acquisition and employee development. In my previous role, I revamped the recruitment process, reducing time to fill by 20% and increasing candidate quality. I’m passionate about fostering a positive work culture and implementing initiatives that support employee growth and well-being. I’m particularly excited about opportunities to optimize HR processes and contribute to building a highly engaged and productive workforce within your organization. I’d love to explore how my skills and experience can align with your HR needs. Would you be open to discussing potential opportunities further?”