This document provides guidance on creating an effective 30-second "elevator pitch" or commercial to introduce yourself and your skills and experience to potential employers or contacts. An elevator pitch should be a short synopsis tailored to the specific job or organization that highlights who you are, the value you bring, and the benefits you could provide, and ends with a question to encourage further discussion. It is important to practice your elevator pitch so it sounds natural and not scripted. A sample is provided that introduces background, relevant experience, skills, and desired opportunity for a student seeking a position at a travel magazine.

1. 30 second commercial/ “elevator
pitch”
What is is?
It’s your first chance to introduce yourself and give a short
synopsis of your skills and experience with the goal of
getting them to ask for more information
Where, when, and with whom would it be appropriate to
use this?
What’s the point?

2. 30 second commercial/ “elevator
pitch” continued
Always tailor to the job/organization.
Practice, Practice, Practice, so it starts to sound
natural and not like a script or something you are
reading from a teleprompter

3. 30 second commercial/ “elevator
pitch” continued
Main elements to include:
Who am I? What value do I bring?
What benefits might you bring to their organization
based on your qualities and proven accomplishments?
End your commercial with a question that will stimulate
further action and/or referral.

4. Sample
“I am currently a sophomore at UMBC majoring in
English. I serve as the editor of the campus newspaper,
the Retriever Weekly. I am highly detailed and enjoy
writing. I have some relevant professional experience; I
interned for the Washington Post for two summers as a
copy editor. I was responsible for the formatting, style,
and accuracy of text submitted for publication. I am
seeking an opportunity with a travel magazine that will
utilize my editorial and writing skills and enable me to
travel.”