Elevator Pitch

Develop a 30-Second Elevator Pitch

What is an elevator pitch?

An “elevator speech pitch” in regards to internship and job

searching includes a 30 second overview of an individual’s

knowledge, skills, and accomplishments. The term comes from

the time it takes to complete a normal elevator ride from the top

to the bottom floor. An “elevator pitch” is an opportunity to get

your point across in a timely manner; namely, who you are, what

you’ve accomplished, and where you hope to go in the future.

(By Penny Loretto, About.com Guide

http://internships.about.com/od/networking/g/elevatorspeech.htm)

http://internships.about.com/bio/Penny-Loretto-25594.htm
http://internships.about.com/od/networking/g/elevatorspeech.htm
Dr. Walker, MGT 4001 48

Develop a 30-Second Elevator Pitch Reference: “30-Second Elevator Pitch”: Breakdown

An elevator speech includes five parts-

1. Who you are and the type of work you are looking for – Depending

on your audience, explain what your positioning is in your industry so the

listener is clear on what you are looking for

2. The Strengths You Want to Promote – This is where you tell listeners

what you do. You can do this by describing 1 or 2 top skills you have that

are sought for the targeted position, and an example of an achievement.

A success story often works extremely well here because stories are easier

to remember, easier to say and can quickly capture attention. In the short

story include the skills and value you use and will bring to a new employer

such as an achievement that you can quickly convey.

3. Action Step – If the situation calls for an action step offer a business

card, ask for one and if you can call them soon, ask if they know of someone

they could talk with or a company that could use your experience. It is bold

but can be very effective.

4. Trim & Strengthen Speech – Write the speech so that it is easy to say

and easy to understand. Once you have the information you want to share

written down, begin to shave it down and flesh out the excess so that your

value really stands out and your 30 seconds of time is something that will be

remembered.

5. Practice, Practice, Memorize, and Practice some more – Once your

speech is clear and ready, read it, say it and memorize it. Practice it until it

sounds effortless and then get out there and start using it.

Dr. Walker, MGT 4001 49

Develop a 30-Second Elevator Pitch Reference: Sample – “30-Second Elevator Pitch”

Hello! My name is Austin P. Jobs. It is nice to meet you Mrs. Elle Woods! What do you do for a living? Oh wow, you work in a Tech Industry?! That is awesome.

I will graduate from Austin Peay State University with a Bachelor’s degree in Computer Science in May 2018. I recently finished an internship with Yahoo!, where I had the opportunity to put what I learned in the classroom into practice. Yahoo! allowed me to use my programming and creativity to propose a new software that streamlined Online web archival searches. Specifically, I was responsible for helping to write code for that new software that was recently release.

Currently, I am searching for an entry-level position where I can further develop my programming skills and looking for a company that will allow for creative explorations in programming. I would love to know more about your company and how I could possibly contribute to your organization.

Do you have a business card on you so that I may follow up with you?

Dr. Walker, MGT 4001 50

Develop a 30-Second Elevator Pitch Worksheet: “30-Second Elevator Pitch”

1. Who you are and the type of work you are looking for

2. The Strengths You Want to Promote

3. Action Step (write a potential action you can take)

Dr. Walker, MGT 4001 51

Develop a “30-Second Elevator Pitch

4. Write, Edit & Strengthen Speech

5. Practice, Practice, Memorize, and Practice some more !

Dr. Walker, MGT 4001 52

Develop a 30-Second Elevator Pitch Additional Information & Resources