Your questions about elevator pitches answered
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How do you identify the right audience for your elevator pitch?
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What are examples of elevator pitches for different situations?
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How should you follow up after delivering an elevator pitch?
The idea of creating a concise 30-to-90 second introduction of yourself, your needs, and your goals helps focus you on what’s really important for your work.
Whether you’re at a networking event, bumping into a colleague in the corridor, or even introducing yourself in a video call, having a polished elevator pitch ready can open doors you didn’t even know existed.
he process of creating one forces you to distill your professional identity, clarify your career objectives, and articulate your unique value proposition. This clarity becomes invaluable when updating your LinkedIn profile, writing cover letters, or simply answering the dreaded “tell me about yourself” question in interviews.
Think of your elevator pitch as your professional calling card—a memorable snapshot that leaves people wanting to know more about what you can offer.
In fact, a well-crafted elevator pitch can still be useful without ever being delivered in person.
Steps to take to create an elevator pitch for yourself
1. Define your target audience
The premise of an elevator pitch is being ready when you’re in a lift with the right person at the right time. Consider who you’d approach in this proverbial elevator.
- Is it someone who can get you a new job?
- A promotion?
- Help with a project?
- Is it someone who works in a particular industry?
Understanding who is the right person for an elevator pitch will help define who you need to connect with at your current career stage.
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2. Make a story outline
How will you engage your audience so you’re not having an awkward moment? Tell a story.
The plot of any movie has familiar stages — there’s the problem, the struggle, the solution, and the resolution. You can approach your pitch the same.
Define what the problem you want to tackle is, how you can help, what your solution is, and what will happen after the resolution.
Different pitches for different situations
Your elevator pitch should adapt to the context. For networking events, focus on building relationships: “I’m Sarah, a marketing professional with five years in digital campaigns. I’m passionate about helping small businesses grow their online presence. I’d love to learn more about trends in your industry.”
For job interviews, emphasise value: “I’m a project manager who’s delivered 15+ projects on time and under budget. I specialise in streamlining processes that reduce costs by 20%. I’m excited about bringing this efficiency to your team.”
For career advancement conversations, highlight growth: “I’ve been leading our customer service improvements, resulting in 30% higher satisfaction scores. I’m keen to take on broader operational challenges and would value your insights on leadership development.”
3. Take the plunge
Hone your pitch by delivering your dialogue so that when the right person gets in that lift, you’re ready to seize the opportunity.
Getting directly to the point about what you can offer will be appreciated by any busy person. Practice makes permanent, so rehearse your pitch until it feels natural rather than scripted.
Record yourself to check your pace—aim for a conversational speed that’s neither rushed nor sluggish. Your tone should be confident and enthusiastic without being overly aggressive.
Body language matters as much as words. Maintain eye contact, offer a firm handshake, and keep an open posture. Smile genuinely and lean slightly forward to show engagement. These non-verbal cues reinforce your message and help create a positive impression.
4. Follow through strategically
The real work begins after your elevator pitch ends. Within 24-48 hours, send a personalised follow-up message referencing your conversation. If you met at a networking event, connect on LinkedIn with a note like: “Great meeting you yesterday. I’d love to continue our discussion about industry trends.”
If appropriate, suggest a specific next step: a coffee meeting, sharing a relevant article, or introducing them to someone in your network. Always focus on how you can add value to their work or interests, rather than immediately asking for favours. This approach builds genuine professional relationships that can benefit both parties long-term.
This article is contributed by Manpower Singapore.
