An elevator pitch is a concise and impactful way to present oneself for networking and career advancement in under 30 seconds. Key elements include introducing yourself, using a compelling hook, discussing successes, stating goals, and ending with a call to action. Preparation and practice are essential for delivering a confident and memorable pitch.

1. Goingup?
Then get your
elevator pitch ready.

2. An elevator pitch is one of the best
tools to have in your toolkit when
it comes to networking and career
advancement.

3. An elevator pitch is one of the best
tools to have in your toolkit when
it comes to networking and career
advancement.
You may have achieved top grades
and worked hard at extra-curricular
activities, but unless you carry a
copy of your résumé with you
everywhere you go, people aren’t
going to know those things.

4. That’s where the elevator
pitch comes in!

5. That’s where the elevator
pitch comes in!
A great elevator pitch can
convince someone to hire you,
to collaborate with you or to
recommend you to someone else.

6. ‘Thepurposeofanelevatorpitchis
todescribeasituationorsolutionso
compellingthatthepersonyou’rewith
wantstohearmoreevenafterthe
elevatorrideisover’
— Seth Godin.
Source: (www.azquotes.com/quote/859911) AZ Quotes 5/10/16

7. There are a number of elements
required to make your elevator
pitch a success.
The part that requires the most
preparation is presenting all the
relevant information, in a polished
and practised way in the time that
it takes to ride in an elevator
(30 seconds or less).

8. You never know when the
opportunity to present your
elevator pitch will occur. That
is why you should be prepared
with a rehearsed, concise and
memorable pitch.
An elevator pitch is your chance to
impress, so you need to be ready
to deliver it – anytime, anywhere.

9. Introduce
yourself
STARTWITH
AHOOK
discuss
SUCCESSES
STATEYOUR
PITCHGOALS
USEACALL
TOACTION
Hello, my
name is
(your name).

10. Introduce
yourself
STARTWITH
AHOOK
discuss
SUCCESSES
STATEYOUR
PITCHGOALS
USEACALL
TOACTION
Hello, my
name is
(your name).
Be confident,
smile and make
eye contact while being
conscious of your body
language and personal
space. Your pitch should
sound like part of a
conversation, not a
sales spiel.

11. Introduce
yourself
STARTWITH
AHOOK
discuss
SUCCESSES
STATEYOUR
PITCHGOALS
USEACALL
TOACTION
I am familiar
with your company but may
I ask – do you have lots of new
ideas generated from recently
graduated university students?
Because if not, I am a recently
graduated uni student with
many new ideas.

12. Introduce
yourself
STARTWITH
AHOOK
discuss
SUCCESSES
STATEYOUR
PITCHGOALS
USEACALL
TOACTION
I am familiar
with your company but may
I ask – do you have lots of new
ideas generated from recently
graduated university students?
Because if not, I am a recently
graduated uni student with
many new ideas.
Your pitch
should start with a
hook – something unique
or compelling about your
skills or experience that will get
their attention. Consider posing a
question that you and your skills
are the answer to. With such a
small window of opportunity,
everything you say has to
be relevant, clear and
concise.

13. Introduce
yourself
STARTWITH
AHOOK
discuss
SUCCESSES
STATEYOUR
PITCHGOALS
USEACALL
TOACTION
I am familiar
with your company but may
I ask – do you have lots of new
ideas generated from recently
graduated university students?
Because if not, I am a recently
graduated uni student with
many new ideas.
Your pitch
should start with a
hook – something unique
or compelling about your
skills or experience that will get
their attention. Consider posing a
question that you and your skills
are the answer to. With such a
small window of opportunity,
everything you say has to
be relevant, clear and
concise.
Don’t
use jargon
or babble and
remember to
stay on topic.

14. Introduce
yourself
STARTWITH
AHOOK
discuss
SUCCESSES
STATEYOUR
PITCHGOALS
USEACALL
TOACTION
I have worked
in a number of relevant
fields and have completed
projects that not only
strengthened my understanding
of the industry, but also
achieved great success for
those involved.

15. Introduce
yourself
STARTWITH
AHOOK
discuss
SUCCESSES
STATEYOUR
PITCHGOALS
USEACALL
TOACTION
I have worked
in a number of relevant
fields and have completed
projects that not only
strengthened my understanding
of the industry, but also
achieved great success for
those involved.
Talk about your
previous success
and highlight your skills
and connections to build
credibility. Statistics can be
effective but should be used
sparingly. If you have no
supporting data, pitch your
vision and dream.

16. ‘Letyourpassionshinethroughby
beingyourselfandallowingyour
pointstocomeacrossnaturally’
— Richard Branson.
Source: This is what they mean by an elevator pitch, Jack Preston, April 1, 2015.

17. Introduce
yourself
STARTWITH
AHOOK
discuss
SUCCESSES
STATEYOUR
PITCHGOALS
USEACALL
TOACTION
I am always
looking for new avenues
and opportunities to expand
my skills and would love
the chance to work for a
distinguished company like
yours.

18. Introduce
yourself
STARTWITH
AHOOK
discuss
SUCCESSES
STATEYOUR
PITCHGOALS
USEACALL
TOACTION
I am always
looking for new avenues
and opportunities to expand
my skills and would love
the chance to work for a
distinguished company like
yours.
State your goal
for the pitch. If you
have researched the
company and understand
their values, mission and
history, incorporate that
knowledge.

19. Introduce
yourself
STARTWITH
AHOOK
discuss
SUCCESSES
STATEYOUR
PITCHGOALS
USEACALL
TOACTION
It has been
great meeting you.
Here is my business card.
I would really appreciate the
opportunity to have a more
in-depth conversation.
Can I call you next week
to set that up?

20. Introduce
yourself
STARTWITH
AHOOK
discuss
SUCCESSES
STATEYOUR
PITCHGOALS
USEACALL
TOACTION
It has been
great meeting you.
Here is my business card.
I would really appreciate the
opportunity to have a more
in-depth conversation.
Can I call you next week
to set that up?
End your pitch
with a call to
action. Hand them
your business card, ask
them for their card or
confidently ask for a
future meeting.

21. The most important thing to remember
when it comes to your elevator pitch is
that practice is essential.
Practice in front of your friends and ask
for feedback on ways you can improve
your delivery. Practice in front of the mirror
while focusing on your body language.
Self confidence is the key to a successful
pitch. The best way to be confident is
to know your pitch off by heart and to be
passionate about what you are saying.

22. Now it’s time for you to write your
elevator pitch! Remember:
»» start with a hook
»» discuss your successes and skills
»» state your goal
»» end with a call to action
»» practice, practice, practice.
An elevator pitch is your chance to
impress, so you need to be ready to
deliver it – anytime, anywhere.

23. CRICOS: QLD00244B NSW02225M TEQSA: PRV12081 29.1.5 11.2016
social.usq.edu.au
To help perfect your pitch, Sarah
shares 8 steps to win them
over! If you want to practice your
elevator pitch on someone, or need
help streamlining your content,
USQ’s Career Development
Practitioners at Student Services
are the people to contact.