Going up?Then get your elevator pitch ready.

An elevator pitch is one of the best tools to have in your toolkit when it comes to networking and career advancement.

An elevator pitch is one of the best tools to have in your toolkit when it comes to networking and career advancement.

You may have achieved top grades and worked hard at extra-curricular activities, but unless you carry a copy of your résumé with you everywhere you go, people aren’t going to know those things.

That’s where the elevator pitch comes in!

That’s where the elevator pitch comes in!

A great elevator pitch can convince someone to hire you, to collaborate with you or to recommend you to someone else.

‘The purpose of an elevator pitch is to describe a situation or solution so

compelling that the person you’re with wants to hear more even after the

elevator ride is over’ — Seth Godin.

Source: (www.azquotes.com/quote/859911) AZ Quotes 5/10/16

There are a number of elements required to make your elevator pitch a success.

The part that requires the most preparation is presenting all the relevant information, in a polished and practised way in the time that it takes to ride in an elevator (30 seconds or less).

You never know when the opportunity to present your elevator pitch will occur. That is why you should be prepared with a rehearsed, concise and memorable pitch.

An elevator pitch is your chance to impress, so you need to be ready to deliver it – anytime, anywhere.

Introduce yourself

START WITH A HOOK

discuss SUCCESSES

STATE YOUR PITCH GOALS

USE A CALL TO ACTION

Hello, my name is

(your name).

Introduce yourself

START WITH A HOOK

discuss SUCCESSES

STATE YOUR PITCH GOALS

USE A CALL TO ACTION

Hello, my name is

(your name).

Be confident, smile and make

eye contact while being conscious of your body language and personal space. Your pitch should

sound like part of a conversation, not a

sales spiel.

Introduce yourself

START WITH A HOOK

discuss SUCCESSES

STATE YOUR PITCH GOALS

USE A CALL TO ACTION

I am familiar

with your company but may I ask – do you have lots of new ideas generated from recently graduated university students?

Because if not, I am a recently graduated uni student with

many new ideas.

Introduce yourself

START WITH A HOOK

discuss SUCCESSES

STATE YOUR PITCH GOALS

USE A CALL TO ACTION

I am familiar

with your company but may I ask – do you have lots of new ideas generated from recently graduated university students?

Because if not, I am a recently graduated uni student with

many new ideas.

Your pitch should start with a

hook – something unique or compelling about your

skills or experience that will get their attention. Consider posing a question that you and your skills

are the answer to. With such a small window of opportunity,

everything you say has to be relevant, clear and

concise.

Introduce yourself

START WITH A HOOK

discuss SUCCESSES

STATE YOUR PITCH GOALS

USE A CALL TO ACTION

I am familiar

with your company but may I ask – do you have lots of new ideas generated from recently graduated university students?

Because if not, I am a recently graduated uni student with

many new ideas.

Your pitch should start with a

hook – something unique or compelling about your

skills or experience that will get their attention. Consider posing a question that you and your skills

are the answer to. With such a small window of opportunity,

everything you say has to be relevant, clear and

concise.

Don’t use jargon

or babble and remember to stay on topic.

Introduce yourself

START WITH A HOOK

discuss SUCCESSES

STATE YOUR PITCH GOALS

USE A CALL TO ACTION

I have worked

in a number of relevant fields and have completed

projects that not only strengthened my understanding

of the industry, but also achieved great success for

those involved.

Introduce yourself

START WITH A HOOK

discuss SUCCESSES

STATE YOUR PITCH GOALS

USE A CALL TO ACTION

I have worked

in a number of relevant fields and have completed

projects that not only strengthened my understanding

of the industry, but also achieved great success for

those involved.

Talk about your previous success

and highlight your skills and connections to build credibility. Statistics can be

effective but should be used sparingly. If you have no

supporting data, pitch your vision and dream.

‘Let your passion shine through by being yourself and allowing your points to come across naturally’

— Richard Branson.Source: This is what they mean by an elevator pitch, Jack Preston, April 1, 2015.

Introduce yourself

START WITH A HOOK

discuss SUCCESSES

STATE YOUR PITCH GOALS

USE A CALL TO ACTION

I am always

looking for new avenues and opportunities to expand

my skills and would love the chance to work for a

distinguished company like yours.

Introduce yourself

START WITH A HOOK

discuss SUCCESSES

STATE YOUR PITCH GOALS

USE A CALL TO ACTION

I am always

looking for new avenues and opportunities to expand

my skills and would love the chance to work for a

distinguished company like yours.

State your goal for the pitch. If you

have researched the company and understand their values, mission and history, incorporate that

knowledge.

Introduce yourself

START WITH A HOOK

discuss SUCCESSES

STATE YOUR PITCH GOALS

USE A CALL TO ACTION

It has been

great meeting you.

Here is my business card.

I would really appreciate the opportunity to have a more

in-depth conversation.

Can I call you next week to set that up?

Introduce yourself

START WITH A HOOK

discuss SUCCESSES

STATE YOUR PITCH GOALS

USE A CALL TO ACTION

It has been

great meeting you.

Here is my business card.

I would really appreciate the opportunity to have a more

in-depth conversation.

Can I call you next week to set that up?

End your pitch with a call to

action. Hand them your business card, ask them for their card or confidently ask for a

future meeting.

The most important thing to remember when it comes to your elevator pitch is that practice is essential.

Practice in front of your friends and ask for feedback on ways you can improve your delivery. Practice in front of the mirror while focusing on your body language.

Self confidence is the key to a successful pitch. The best way to be confident is to know your pitch off by heart and to be passionate about what you are saying.

Now it’s time for you to write your elevator pitch! Remember:

» start with a hook » discuss your successes and skills » state your goal » end with a call to action » practice, practice, practice.

An elevator pitch is your chance to impress, so you need to be ready to deliver it – anytime, anywhere.

CRICOS: QLD00244B NSW02225M TEQSA: PRV12081 29.1.5 11.2016

social.usq.edu.au

To help perfect your pitch, Sarah shares 8 steps to win them over! If you want to practice your elevator pitch on someone, or need help streamlining your content, USQ’s Career Development Practitioners at Student Services are the people to contact.