Elevator Pitch
Overview
The elevator pitch is a format for presenting yourself in a brief and unexpected encounter (like a ride on an elevator) with someone who might be able to help you find a job, secure an internship or connect with people who can help you. The key is to use just a few key sentences to present yourself effectively. It’s easy, but it takes practice, practice, practice. Use the following template to fill in the information and then practice with a friend or classmate.
15-Second Elevator Pitch
Goal: To help participants understand the importance of a 15 second elevator pitch to market their employability skills..
Objectives: By the end of this exercise, participants will understand the purpose of a 15 second elevator pitch and create one.
The elevator pitch is a format for presenting yourself in a brief and unexpected encounter (like a ride on an elevator) with someone who might be able to help you find a job, secure an internship or connect with people who can help you. The key is to use just a few key sentences to present yourself effectively. It’s easy, but it takes practice, practice, practice. Use the following template to fill in the information and then practice with a friend or classmate.
Use this scenario to practice: While Jane is at the hospital visiting her grandmother, she just happens to find herself in the lunchroom standing next to a woman with a name badge that identifies her as the director of nursing. She decides to make a quick pitch. Use the template as a starter and then change it and/or add to it a bit to make it come across natural and smooth. But keep it short.
Here’s how it might sound: Excuse me. My name is Jane Richards and I’m visiting my grandmother here. I see that you are the director of nursing. I hope it’s OK but I wanted to let you know that I’m looking for a job in the healthcare field and I wondered if you might know of any jobs in this facility.
I know I would enjoy working in this field because I volunteer at a nursing home and I really enjoy working with the people there and helping the nurses. This field is a good match for me because I’m really good with people, I get good grades in science and math and I’m not afraid of working hard. I’m very detail-oriented and committed to excellence. Do you know if this hospital has an entry-level position for a dedicated, hardworking person like me?
Now it’s your turn: Think of a scenario that you might find yourself in and develop your own 15-second elevator pitch using this template.
Hello, my name is _______________ (Skip this if you know the person) and I’m looking for a job in the field of __________________________. (Be specific about the field, but general about the position.) I know I would enjoy working in this field because _____________________ (State why; do you have any experience?) This field is a good match for me because I ___________________________ ___________________________________________________________ (Mention skills and experience. Even if you don’t have experience in the field, you can mention your attributes like creative, curious, detail-oriented, committed to excellence, etc.)
Do you know of any jobs in this field or do you know anyone who works in this field that you might be able to introduce me to?