Who are you? What do you do?  

These are common questions we hear every day. Most of the time, they can be answered without blinking an eye. But what about when it counts? Would you be able to tell your story compellingly? 

Whether you are attending a networking event or meeting a prospective recruiter/hiring manager, having an elevator pitch or longer introduction handy ensures you’re ready to make a strong first impression whenever opportunity arises.

What Is an Elevator Pitch?

An elevator pitch is a thirty-second overview of yourself that helps you make connections and demonstrate your value. In a professional setting, an elevator pitch should outline your education, professional achievements, and how you are able to solve problems. It should be succinct and last as long as it would take to tell your story in an elevator ride. 

Key Components of an Elevator Pitch

Whether you are pitching yourself to a recruiter or a referral, all elevator pitches should include the following:

  • Hook 
    • State your name and a brief welcome or interesting fact about your background.
  • Unique skills 
    • Share your main work experience and what makes you stand out from others.
  • Global edge 
    • Mention how working in different places gives you fresh ideas and strong problem-solving skills.
  • A goal 
    • Identify a clear goal.  It could be mentorship, a job, or an opportunity to collaborate.
  • Call to action 
    • End with an ask or a suggestion for a next step, such as setting up time for coffee.

Elevator Pitch Tips

When you only have thirty seconds to make a lasting impression, time is of the essence. Use these tips to showcase your skills and expertise. 

  • Position your global experience as an asset
    • Use your global experience as a differentiator; it’s real, transferable expertise. Employers increasingly value professionals who’ve worked across different systems, regulations, or markets.
  • Translate your experience into US-market language
    • Avoid titles or institution names because they may not carry the same weight in the US. Instead, focus on what you did, the impact you had, and how you can bring your experience to your desired role.
  • Quantify your impact whenever possible 
    • Numbers can cross any language and cultural barriers.
  • Practice, practice, practice 
    • Make sure your pitch is concise and free of any confusing jargon. Practice with native English speakers, a job coach, or mentor to make sure your pitch is effective and conversational. Keep direct eye contact. Pace yourself; don’t speak too fast. 
  • Address credentialing proactively 
    • For professionals in licensed fields (medicine, law, engineering, teaching), employers may wonder about your credential status and how it transfers to the US job market. Addressing your credential status and where you are in the process shows that you’re already taking the necessary steps to move forward.
  • Tailor your pitch
    • You are showcasing your skills and ability, not reciting a script. Have two or more versions that are specific to the individual you are talking to. For instance, when speaking to someone in HR, you may want to talk about your soft skills, but at a general networking event, you might want to lead with your expertise and work history.

With these tips, you can craft a pitch that confidently communicates your value and highlights your skills and experience to open new career pathways. 

Stay tuned to learn more about using your elevator pitch when networking. And in the meantime, check out our Networking module on the Upwardly Global Learning Platform for more tips!