Elevator pitch examples and how to use them

When you’re job hunting and interviewing, first impressions count. Being able to clearly introduce yourself and highlight your most relevant skills and experience is a great way to make a positive impact. Enter: the elevator pitch.

Not sure what that is or how to make one? In this article, we cover all there is to know about elevator pitches, with ideas for different industries, advice on how to create an elevator pitch and a selection of elevator pitch examples you can use as a guide.

What is an elevator pitch? 

An elevator pitch is a quick way of introducing yourself by summing up who you are and what you offer in a few punchy and memorable sentences.  

It’s a concise summary of an idea, or in the context of this article, of yourself and the value you would bring to an organisation. The concept of an elevator pitch is to get an idea across – or pitch yourself for a job – in the time it takes for a short elevator ride, around 30–60 seconds.  

Whether you’re writing an elevator pitch (or resumé summary) for a job application or you’re developing a pitch for an interview, there are some things you need to know to be as impactful as possible. 

When preparing an elevator pitch about yourself, the main goal is to spark the hiring manager’s interest so that they’re keen to learn more. You need to be able to communicate your value proposition – what you bring to the table and why it’s essential to their organisation – so that it’s easily understood in a few sentences. Ultimately, you want to leave a lasting impression that leads to more conversations and, eventually, a job offer. 

Here’s how to write a pitch for a job, complete with examples for different scenarios, audiences and career stages.  

How to create an elevator pitch 

When writing an elevator pitch, the trick is to keep it short and sharp, so that you don’t have to rush to fit it into 60 seconds. Here’s a four-step guide for how to write an elevator pitch.

1. Introduce yourself

Start by introducing yourself, which can be as simple as sharing your name and current position. Your introduction will set the tone for the rest of your pitch, so make sure you tailor it to your audience (hiring manager or recruiter?) and the setting (on paper or in person?). 

For example, if it’s a more formal crowd or someone you want to show a great deal of respect to, then it’s important to greet them accordingly. Alternatively, if it’s a more casual setting, adjust your tone to be more friendly and personable.

2. Highlight the problem to solve

Next, highlight the problem you’re solving (their job vacancy) by showing that you’re the best person for the position. When it comes to job vacancies, most employers are on the lookout for specific skills and work experience that matches the needs of the position, so tailor your pitch to address these.

For example, “You’re looking for an individual contributor with a master’s degree and management experience, which can be hard to find...”  

3. Present your solution

The solution is one of the most important parts of your elevator pitch. Here, showcase your value and demonstrate what you bring to the table. Identify one or two main skills or experiences that make you an ideal choice for the role. Take this as an opportunity to set yourself apart from other job seekers, by highlighting what’s truly unique about what you offer.

For example, “I have a master’s in engineering and also a graduate diploma in management, plus two years of experience in a similar role at your main competitor.”

4. Include a call to action 

In an interview or a resumé summary, there is not much need for a call to action as the next steps are clear. However, if you’re networking or meeting a potential employer outside of an interview, your pitch should end with a call to action. What would you like the person to do next? Whether you want them to schedule a meeting or exchange contact details, provide your audience with a clear directive on the next steps after your pitch. 

Elevator pitch examples of what to avoid  

Remember that your elevator pitch is meant to be short, so it’s important not to be long-winded. When writing your pitch, here are a few things to avoid:

• Being too generic
• Overcomplicating the message 
• Including jargon and technical language
• Focusing on features and not benefits 
• Rambling or including too many details
• Lacking enthusiasm and confidence
• Not including a clear call to action (for in-person pitches)
• Including irrelevant personal information 

Examples of elevator pitches for different scenarios 

Let’s take a look at a few elevator pitch examples across different contexts and situations. You can also use our elevator pitch template to help get you started on your own. 

Sample elevator pitch for job seekers

As a job seeker, there are important elements you should include in your elevator pitch, like:

• Introduction: Hi, I’m Jolene, an engineer with 10 years of experience in traffic and infrastructure.  
• Value proposition: Congratulations on winning the tender for the Main Roads project. I’ve just finished managing a similar project on the Sunshine Coast.   
• Benefits for the hiring manager: I know how much time these projects take to set up, and have put together a project management blueprint I’d be happy to share that may help get things started.  
• Call to action: Here’s a USB with the blueprint and my details. I’d love to hear your feedback and discuss this more when you’re free?

Sample elevator pitch for a new graduate

As a new graduate, you’ll want to highlight your education, relevant experiences and career goals. You should also emphasise your enthusiasm and eagerness to learn. All of these traits are valuable qualities for a prospective employer, even if you don’t necessarily have experience in the field. 

Here’s an example of an elevator pitch that you could use as a new university graduate:

Hi, I’m Morgan, this is my first visit to the Careers Expo at uni after graduating from communications. Cool Agency sparked my interest a few years ago and I’m keen to get a foot in the door in any capacity. I’ve worked on my skills in writing, presenting and marketing as I know you're expanding your content services. I’d love the chance to talk more about a job or internship at Cool Agency if you have the time?

Sample elevator pitch for an entry-level role 

If you’re looking to get a foot in the door at a specific company, you don’t have much experience to “sell” – but you can prove that you align with the company’s values and that you’re willing to learn. 

Here’s an elevator pitch example for a journalist who’s just starting out in the field: 

Hi, I’m Lucy. I’m an aspiring journalist committed to unbiased and fair reporting. I’ve always admired the integrity of your publication and am eager to contribute to local news coverage and learning on the job from experienced professionals. 

Sample elevator pitch for a mid-career professional

If you have a little more experience as a mid-career professional, you can use your elevator pitch to demonstrate your experience, expertise and the value you’d bring to the organisation. Try to match your goals with the needs of the new company. You could use a pitch like this:

Hi, I’m Jack. I was hoping to run into you here at the conference. I heard from a coworker that you're looking for a new IT department head, and since I'm a senior specialist with 12 years of experience at a similar company, I thought I'd introduce myself. I’d be keen to catch up with you after the next seminar if you're free?

Example of an elevator pitch for networking

Regardless of whether or not you’re looking for a new position, an elevator pitch ready for networking events can be a valuable tool. When networking, an elevator pitch is a great way to introduce yourself to new connections in a memorable way. This can help to grow your professional network while also exposing you to opportunities that you might not have heard of otherwise. 

When preparing an elevator pitch for a networking event, be sure to include a brief introduction, an overview of your professional background, and a point of differentiation that sets you apart from others in your area. 

Here’s an example you can use for a networking event:

Hi, I’m Kristof. I'm a marketing manager at AZ Co., working on everything from brand campaigns to TikToks. I’m here to meet fellow marketers, exchange ideas, explore partnerships and just enjoy the event – here's my card. What brings you here?

Elevator pitche examples for sales professionals

A good elevator pitch can be a great tool for sales professionals when it comes to pitching to cold leads (people who haven’t shown interest in a service or product). Rather than putting off a potential customer with a hard sell (an aggressive type of sales tactic), an elevator pitch allows you to establish a connection with a client before presenting your value proposition in terms of how your product or service can solve a problem they’re experiencing. 

Here’s an elevator pitch you can use to attract customers for a product:

What a great day for a dog show! Hi, I’m Ali from XYZ Tech. Your dog is adorable, what’s their name? I bet you miss him when you're away from home. I'm actually here repping pet cameras and air-tag trackers for owners who want that extra bit of security. Here's my card, which has a 10% discoun code. Take a look at the website and contact me if you have any questions.

Alternatively, if you’re looking to attract customers for a service, you might want to use a pitch along these lines:

Hey, I’m Megan from Acme Consulting. I couldn’t help but overhear you’re having a hard time getting your e-commerce site up and running. I understand there’s a lot to consider, like choosing a platform, web content, optimised pages… Have you considered outsourcing? We specialise in affordable website creation and digital marketing to get SMEs off the ground. Do you have a moment to tell me about your business? I’d love to hear the story so far.

Elevator pitch samples for a career change 

Elevator pitches can be useful at any stage in your career. If you’re looking to pivot your line of work to something new, your pitch should focus on transferable and interpersonal skills, and attributes like enthusiasm, flexibility and commitment.  

Here are some examples of elevator pitches for different career transitions: 

Hi, I’m Marco. I’ve been working as a registered nurse for 15 years and now I’m looking to start a career in social work. As a nurse, I’ve developed strong interpersonal skills and empathy; I’m passionate about supporting people through challenging circumstances and am excited to make a broader impact in the community.  

Hi, I’m Tanya. I’ve worked as a professional portrait artist since graduating fine arts at TAFE, and now I’d like to share my technical knowledge and creative passion with others. I have a post-graduate diploma that I’m keen to put into use as a high-school teacher, to guide students in developing their skills and perhaps pursuing a career in fine arts. 

Practising your elevator pitch

When it comes to perfecting your elevator pitch, practice makes perfect. Here are a few tips to help you polish your delivery:

• Write it down: write out your pitch and then read through it out loud, revising until you’re happy.
• Memorise the main points: highlight one or two main points of your pitch and remember them without having to recite your pitch word for word (unless doing so is easier for you). 
• Practise: rehearse your pitch in front of a mirror or record yourself. You can also practise in front of a family or friends.
• Attend workshops: workshops, either online or in person, can be a great way to get support and help you hone your skills. 
• Get feedback: ask a colleague, mentor, friend or family member to review your pitch. This can provide insight into how others perceive you and your message. 

When you’re job hunting and interviewing, first impressions are everything. Having a well-written elevator pitch ready to go means you can immediately position yourself as the answer to a potential employer’s hiring needs. An elevator pitch is also great for when you’re attending networking events or even making sales – you never know what opportunities you might unlock with a persuasive 60-second spiel.

FAQs

What is the ideal length of an elevator pitch?

An elevator pitch is meant to be short – no longer than 30 to 60 seconds. Within this timeframe you should be able to deliver a concise and impactful message that piques the listener’s interest and communicates your value proposition.

How do I make my elevator pitch memorable?

There are a number of strategies you can use to make your elevator pitch memorable, including:

• Incorporate a playful quip, a compelling hook, or an attention-grabbing statement
• Use a story or storytelling elements to bring your message to life
• Highlight your unique selling points (and solve their ‘problem’)
• Inject personality, passion and authenticity
• Finish with a strong closing that leaves a lasting impression

Can you provide elevator pitch examples for job interviews?

If you’re after ideas on how to write a pitch for a job, it can often help to look at examples, then tailor one for your own elevator pitch. Here’s an example of a pitch you could use when attending a job interview:

Hi, I’m Brian. What a great setup you have here; thanks so much for meeting with me. So you need an experienced builder to help manage your team offsite? I have six years of experience in new home builds specialising in carpentry and right now I lead a team of four. Your commitment to sustainability is what motivated me to apply for this position – you’re building a legacy and I’d love to be part of that.

What are some tips for delivering a confident elevator pitch?

Delivering a confident elevator pitch is essential for making a good impression. Here are some tips to help you deliver your pitch with confidence:

• Adapt your pitch to your audience
• Practise with friends or family and get feedback
• Have open, friendly body language
• Speak clearly and enthusiastically
• Use your authentic tone of voice
• Highlight how your skills can help the listener

How do I tailor my pitch to different audiences?

Being mindful of your audience is an important part of delivering a relevant and memorable elevator pitch. Tailor your pitch to different audiences by considering their needs, interests and backgrounds. It’s also important to adapt your language and terminology to match the vocabulary and level of expertise of your audience.