Take Your Career to the Next Level with the Perfect Elevator Pitch

You’re standing in an elevator and who walks in but THE executive at the job of your dreams. You have less than sixty seconds to convince them that you are the most qualified and most valuable for their company. What do you do? This is the ideal situation but, more than likely, you will be using your pitch in an email introduction, a portion of a cover letter, or in a job interview. An elevator pitch is a speech in which you have 30 to 60 seconds to sell yourself to your listener, about the length of an elevator ride. 

So, where should you begin? The best way to start writing your elevator pitch is list as much as possible about yourself and edit from there. This way, you can narrow it down to only the most important qualifications you possess. The purpose is to convince your listener that you would be a beneficial addition to their company or firm.

Here’s a simple example of how to set up your pitch:

• Name
• Currently enrolled at Temple University with a degree in ________ (include any minors or certifications)
• What you’re seeking; interested in finding a job/internship in ________
• Activities involved in
• Through these activities you’ve learned to accomplish ________
• You will be of value to their company because ________

As with anything else, practice! Delivery is just as important as content, and with practice comes confidence. But the key is to keep your pitch sounding natural. Make sure to include a hook in the beginning; your hook should get their attention and the rest of your pitch should keep it. For example, mention a unique internship that sets your apart from other students. In terms of effectiveness, it is also important to adjust your pitch to your listener, depending on their position or firm. You will have succeeded in perfecting your elevator pitch if it leaves your listener wanting more.