The importance of an Elevator Pitch in a modern job market

When it comes to job searching, networking or preparing for an interview, having an elevator pitch ready to use is essential in a modern job market. This article explores what is meant by the term 'Elevator Pitch' and the key considerations when creating one.

What is an Elevator Pitch?

An Elevator Pitch is a summary that you can use to effectively convey who you are, what you do and the value you bring. It is one of the most effective ways to promote your personal brand and one of the simplest yet most powerful tools for any professional. It is designed to be delivered in the time it takes for a short elevator ride, typically around 30 seconds to two minutes. The term "Elevator Pitch" suggests that the pitch should be brief enough to be delivered during a brief encounter with someone you want to impress, such as a hiring manager, recruiter, potential client or networking opportunity.

When to use an Elevator Pitch?

Knowing when to use an Elevator Pitch is crucial. Whether you're sending a LinkedIn connection request, introducing yourself to a recruiter or being interviewed, you may encounter questions like "Tell me about yourself," or "What do you do?" If you haven't prepared for these questions, you might end up providing an unclear and unfocused description of your skills and miss out on valuable employment or networking opportunities.

The 4 Key Elements of an Elevator Pitch

1. Introduce yourself:

Grab the reader or listener's attention by providing relevant context. Who you are and what your background is. Your pitch must be relevant, so customise it for various audience groups. You may want to provide them with a summary of your background.

‘’My name is Rachel, I am a highly experienced, commercially aware Finance Manager with a passion for driving financial success. I have over 20 years’ experience of financial analysis, budgeting and strategic planning”.

2. Describe what you do:

If you are attending an interview, this part of your pitch needs to be tailored to the role you are applying for. If you are networking, describe what you do and keep in mind that the person you're talking to may not be familiar with your field. Elaborate on your area of specialisation and provide examples of what you do.

‘’I thrive in complex financial environments and excel at amalgamating data to provide actionable insights that inform key business decisions. My ability to identify growth opportunities and mitigate risks has consistently contributed to sustainable financial growth’’.

3. Highlight your unique qualities:

Identify your unique selling points (USPs) and focus on the qualities that set you apart from the competition. Emphasise how these qualities benefit the listener. You may find it easier describing what you do and your USPs by merging these steps together.

‘’With strong leadership skills, I've successfully built and led high-performing inclusive finance teams, fostering and implementing a collaborative results-driven culture’’.

4. Showcase your goals and ambitions:

Clearly communicate your own objectives and align them with what the listener is seeking. If your pitch is part of an interview, your goals must be in line with the company and role objects.  If you are sending a connection request or networking, engage your audience by asking open-ended questions that will involve them in the conversation.

‘’As your company continues to expand, my goal is to support and bring my comprehensive financial acumen and dedication of excellence where I can help drive financial success and contribute to the company's growth’’.

Final points…

Practice is essential for delivering a flawless pitch. How you present your pitch is just as important as the content itself. Without practice, your pitch may sound unnatural, and you might miss key information. Always consider your audience and tailor your pitch accordingly to make it pitch perfect. You may end up with a number of pitches that you can use dependant on your audience. Your pitches may feel less formal when networking with people who know you. An Elevator Pitch is a valuable tool for making a strong impression, so invest time and effort into perfecting it.