Being memorable gets you hired. Of course, it’s not the only thing. But it certainly helps you surpass the competition and get the attention of potential employers. With a good “elevator pitch,” you have an additional weapon in your arsenal that helps you answer the question, “So…what do you do?” You’ll have about 60 seconds to capture someone’s attention or bore them to tears. Are you up for the task?
Write a memorable elevator pitch in just five steps:
- Determine your Target.
Picture it: you’re alone in an elevator with the hiring manager for your dream job. What does that dream job entail? What would you want the hiring manager to understand about you, your skills and your experience that would make you the perfect candidate for the job? This should be the target of your elevator pitch. - Write, Write, and Write Some More.
Let yourself go on and on unabashedly with everything you can think of that describes you, your job experience and what you can accomplish for an employer. Don’t hold back. Get it all down on paper. - Take a Step Back.
Once you’ve emptied your brain, set your pitch aside for a little bit. Go and do something that has nothing to do with work. Let your mind relax. This is an important writing tool that will help you edit effectively. - Edit.
Here comes the tricky part…you’ll need to edit your pitch down to about 150–225 words. Remember, it will need to be delivered in 60 seconds or less. While editing, focus on the following key elements every elevator pitch must have:- Plain language. Don’t use industry jargon or acronyms. Your pitch must be easy to understand.
- A hook. Your pitch should open with a question or statement that “hooks” the listener. It should be directly related to the industry and possibly hit a pain point or an issue the hiring manager might be looking to solve.
- Benefits. Remember, you’re selling yourself, not simply describing yourself. So talk about what you’ve accomplished in terms of how it can be advantageous to the company or employer.
- Strong words. Choose powerful or even colorful words that paint a picture in the listener’s mind. Help him or her to remember you and like what you’re selling at the same time.
- Enthusiasm. You’re passionate about what you do. Let your description and word choices showcase your enthusiasm.
- A request. What action do you wish your listener to take at the end of your speech? Build your request in at the end.
- Practice.
Ask friends and family to listen to your speech. Practice it until it is second nature. You should be able to pepper it into a conversation without sounding as if you’re reading off a teleprompter.
Once you’ve written and practiced your speech, you’ll be ready to network and get your name out to potential employers. Being prepared will add to your confidence and help you get hired.
