How to Perfect the Elevator Pitch

How to craft and deliver an elevator pitch that captures attention in 30 seconds or less when meeting your ideal employer or business partner.

• Skills or ideas • A list of descriptive phrases • A description of your qualifications • Practice and mirror (optional)

You have approximately 30 seconds or less to make a strong impression.

To wow your ideal employer or business partner with a compelling, concise pitch.

Create a list of phrases that describe you, then cross off any clichés or catch phrases. Keep only the most unique and honest statements.

Craft a description of your qualifications that you can share in 30 seconds or less. Write the pitch like you speak to make it easier to deliver and more authentic.

• Practice your pitch on friends and family • Ask for feedback and adjust your pitch • It will become natural by doing it over and over • Use a mirror to pitch yourself

If you can't look yourself in the eye in a mirror, how can you engage someone else?

Make your pitch about the needs of your listener. Talk about the problems facing their industry that you are uniquely positioned to solve.

Describe your value in solving the problems that matter to your listener's industry.

Allow room for dialogue. Most people don't like to be talked at, so be conversational and show an interest in them.

• Ask for a business card • Ask for a phone call • Ask permission to send your resume • The pitch breaks the ice and generates interest, but you need to ask for the next step