Tips on Crafting the Elevator Pitch
1. Understand the Purpose
Start by understanding the purpose of an elevator pitch. It's a brief introduction that highlights your skills, interests, and goals, aiming to grab the listener's attention and spark a conversation.
2. Know Your Audience
Tailor your pitch to your audience. If you're shadowing in a specific industry or with a particular company, research them beforehand and weave relevant details into your pitch. Since you don’t know who you'll be shadowing yet, base the pitch you record for this assignment on what you would say in your ideal job shadow experience. While we strive to find great host sites, we can't always guarantee a match with your ideal. Once you receive your assignment, adjust your pitch to fit the actual opportunity.
3. Keep It Concise
An elevator pitch should ideally be 30 seconds to a minute long—long enough to convey key information but short enough to maintain the listener's interest.
4. Structure Your Pitch
O Introduction
Start with a friendly greeting and introduce yourself by stating your name and your college or major.
O Hook
Capture their interest with a hook, such as a recent accomplishment, a relevant project you've worked on, or a problem in their industry that fascinates you.
O Value Proposition
Explain what skills or qualities you bring to the table. Mention any unique strengths or experiences that set you apart.
O Why You're Interested
Express your enthusiasm for the industry or company. Explain why you're passionate
5. Practice
Practice your elevator pitch until it sounds natural and not rehearsed. You should be able to deliver it confidently without stumbling.
6. Focus on Benefits
Emphasize how your skills and interests can benefit the company or industry. Highlighting the value you can bring is more compelling than simply listing your qualifications.
7. Be Enthusiastic
Show genuine enthusiasm and passion for what you're discussing. Enthusiasm is contagious and can leave a positive impression.
8. Listen Actively
After delivering your pitch, be a good listener. Pay attention to the professionals you're shadowing, ask questions, and engage in meaningful conversations.
Example Elevator Pitch
"Hello, my name is Amelia Guiteria, and I'm currently a psychology major at
MSU Denver. I'm thrilled to be here shadowing in the Human Resources
department today. What really sparked my interest in HR is the intersection
between psychology and the workplace.
During my studies, I've had the opportunity to develop strong interpersonal
and communication skills, which I believe are essential in HR. I've also
gained experience in conducting research and analyzing data, which I think
can be valuable in making informed HR decisions.
What excites me the most about HR is its role in fostering a positive work
environment and helping employees reach their full potential. I'm eager to
learn more about talent acquisition, employee development, and how HR
contributes to the overall success of the organization.
I'd love to hear your insights and any advice you have for someone like me
who's considering a career in HR. Thank you for having me here today, and
I'm looking forward to gaining valuable insights from this experience."
Remember to adjust the pitch according to your personal experiences, skills,
and the specific aspects of HR you're interested in exploring during your job
shadow experience.