This document provides guidance on creating an effective elevator pitch. An elevator pitch is a 30-second speech that tells a potential employer who you are, what you do, and why you would be a great employee. It is important because you only have a short time to make a good impression. The document then lists 10 steps to create a successful elevator pitch, including identifying your target, writing it down, eliminating jargon, practicing frequently, and tailoring your pitch for different audiences.

1. WELCOME
Create the Perfect
Elevator Pitch
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2. What is it?
Your Elevator Pitch is the 30-
second speech that tells a
potential employer who you
are, what you do, and exactly
why you would be a great
employee.

3. The idea is that you only
have a short time to catch
someone’s attention and
leave a lasting impression—
especially if that someone
can help you land your
dream job.
Why do I need one?
For example…the
amount of time it takes
for a quick elevator ride

4. How to create your Pitch
1. Identify Your Target
2. Write It Down
3. Format
4. Tailor
5. Eliminate Jargon
6. Read Out Loud
7. Practice
8. Prepare Variations
9. Keep it Fresh
10.Nail Your Pitch

5. IDENTIFY YOUR TARGET
o Know the industry
you want to pursue
o Identify the specific
job
o Use an identifiable
job title

6. o Highlight your skills,
accomplishments, and
work experiences
o Edit, edit, edit
o Keep only what’s relevant
o Take out anything that’s
“clutter”
o Leave your listener
wanting more
WRITE IT DOWN

7. o Answer these 3 Questions:
o Who are you?
o What do you do?
o What are you looking for?
o Add details
o How are you unique?
o What special skills do you
have?
o How will you be able to help
this employer?
FORMAT

8. o Focus the message on the
employer’s needs, not yours
o Use benefit-focused expressions
o Show how you would be an asset
to their company
TAILOR

9. o Avoid using acronyms or
tech-speak
o Make it easy for anyone
to understand
o Keep it simple and clear
ELIMINATE JARGON

10. READ OUT LOUD
o Writing is more formal than
speaking
o Be careful not to sound like
an infomercial
o Edit your pitch to sound
more authentic

11. PRACTICE
o Use a mirror or recording
device
o Keep fine-tuning until it
sounds natural
o Test it on friends
o Ask for feedback
o If your objective is not clear,
edit some more

12. PREPARE VARIATIONS
o Vary your pitch, depending on the
audience
o Create versions for shorter and longer
amounts of time
o From 30 seconds to 2 minutes
o Focus on mastering a few key points

13. KEEP IT FRESH
o Add new skills and accomplishments
o Convey excitement and energy
o Continue to revise your pitch

14. NAIL YOUR PITCH
o Use appropriate eye
contact
o Smile
o Be confident and
upbeat

15. Your elevator pitch is a
powerful tool.
First impressions are very
important, and you
never know who you
might run into.
By spending a little time
creating a great pitch,
you can earn yourself
the reward of a great
career!

16. We hope you found this information
helpful. Check us out at
www.miworksmo.org.
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questions/comments/concerns
• See our workshop schedule
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Like what you saw???

17. Sources Cited:
o Nancy Collamer, “The Perfect Elevator Pitch
to Land a Job,” ©2013 Forbes.com
o Aileen Pincus, “The Perfect (Elevator) Pitch,”
©2013 Businessweek.com