Job opportunities are everywhere, so you MUST be prepared for that impromptu conversation with that potential decision maker--on the elevator, at the pool, in the Starbucks line, wherever! This presentation covers the what, why and how of creating an elevator pitch that works for you. (Originally presented at the WashingtonExec program for college students, July 2015.)

1. Your Elevator Pitch:
What, Why and How
Presented by Bob London
© 2016 Bob London (www.londonink.com)
Program for College Students, Summer 2015

2. What is an Elevator Pitch?
Short, sweet description of who you
are and what you’re seeking.
And why. (If you have time.)
© 2016 Bob London (www.londonink.com)

3. What is the purpose of an
Elevator Pitch?
To get a meeting!
© 2016 Bob London (www.londonink.com)

4. Why do you need an
Elevator Pitch?
Job leads are everywhere.
© 2016 Bob London (www.londonink.com)

5. “Hi, I’m name. I’m an adjective
noun looking for a functional
job in the industry sector.”
Sally Jones energetic
Math Major
Analyst
Finance
© 2016 Bob London (www.londonink.com)

6. 7 Rules for an Effective
Elevator Pitch
© 2016 Bob London (www.londonink.com)

7. 1. Don’t Assume You are Bothering
Someone
We are always looking for
young, bright people.
• Really dedicated, passionate, hard working
people aren’t easy to find.
• Older workers are retiring.
• Young people can more engaging to work with
because they’re more innovative and energetic.
• Young people cost less than old people!
© 2016 Bob London (www.londonink.com)

8. 2. Know your goals.
© 2016 Bob London (www.londonink.com)

9. • Get a job
• Start a business
• Get an internship
• Volunteer for a non-profit
Balance between broad and specific.
with a big-4 accounting firm. In San Francisco.
creating software. For working moms.
with a neuroscience lab. In the southeast U.S.
like Doctors Without Borders.
In Ghana.
“Hi, I’m Sally Jones. I’m a
humanities major looking to…
© 2016 Bob London (www.londonink.com)

10. 3. Identify your strengths.
Get comfortable talking
about them.
© 2016 Bob London (www.londonink.com)

11. 4. Gather the proof.
Accomplishments, facts & figures
that demonstrate your acumen,
aptitude & passion.
© 2016 Bob London (www.londonink.com)

12. 5. Tell a story.
For advanced Elevator Pitchers
YOUR STORY
Here’s
why…
I’m
seeking…
I am…
© 2016 Bob London (www.londonink.com)

13. “Hi, I’m Sally Jones. I’m a humanities
major looking to…
“I’ve spoken with a
number of
advisors who
suggested function
because of my
strengths in noun
and noun. And I’m
interested in
industry due to my
adjective and
adjective.”
“I got interested
in industry when
I was working in
a noun company
during college. I
became
fascinated with
function during
an internship in
my junior year.”
“I was on the
honor roll for #
out of #
semesters in the
major school. I
chaired the noun
committee for
the noun group.”
© 2016 Bob London (www.londonink.com)

14. 6. Have an “ask.”
© 2016 Bob London (www.londonink.com)

15. The Ask:
“I’d greatly appreciate any insights you
might have. Is there a time in the next
week or so that we can have a 30-
minute call or a meeting in your office?”© 2016 Bob London (www.londonink.com)

16. 7. Prepare.
Then, when you think you’re ready,
practice on your friends and family.
50 Times.
(Not a typo. 50 Times.)
© 2016 Bob London (www.londonink.com)

17. Your Approach
• Take your time.
• E nun ci ate
• Eye contact
• Professional. Eliminate
“Um,” and up-talk.
• Use proper diction!
© 2016 Bob London (www.londonink.com)

18. Not done yet!
© 2016 Bob London (www.londonink.com)

19. Questions?
© 2016 Bob London (www.londonink.com)

20. Your Turn!
© 2016 Bob London (www.londonink.com)