Hi! I’m Katie, and I’m the Coordinator for Career Services at NECC. I spend most of my days helping students explore career paths, navigate career changes, and build the career skills they need to succeed after graduation. One tool I’ve seen make a surprising difference is an elevator pitch. Whether you’re networking, interviewing, or just figuring out how to talk about yourself, an elevator pitch can be a simple and powerful approach.
What is it and how does it work? Imagine you step into an elevator and you meet someone who could change the course of your career: a potential employer or a mentor. You only have 30 seconds before you reach the next floor—what do you say?
An elevator pitch is someone’s 30-second introduction that can be used when meeting someone or interviewing. It is the trailer to the movie. It’s a quick intro for anyone who need to tell a story, leave an impression, or sell something as quickly and succinctly as possible.
You’ll want to prepare a description of yourself that’s easy-to-understand and concisely explains who you are and what you’re working toward (like a degree from NECC). You may want to have a few versions ready to go for different situations – the way you introduce yourself to a professor might sound different from how you would answer “Tell me about yourself” in a job interview. Practicing your pitch ahead of time helps you build confidence and flesh out any awkward pauses or filler words, like ummm.
Ready to build your pitch?
Start with your career-oriented pitch and consider:
• Who you are, and your education, volunteer and work experience.
• Your career goals and interests.
• What is unique about you.
• What type of assistance you would like.
• Try to keep it to 150 – 225 words (about 30 seconds to speak).
Now write it out, proofread, and make it your own. Feel free to curate multiple elevator pitches to prepare for different scenarios.
TEMPLATE EXAMPLE:
Name: Hi, my name is __________________________. (Shake hands, look the person in the eye and smile.)
Academic Status: I will be graduating in _______, with a major in______________________.
Career Goals: I am most interested in the field of ______________________ and hope to learn more about it.
Experience: I have worked as a (type of job) ______________________________ at
(type or name of business) _____________________________________________________.
I get excited about (skills that you want to use) ___________________________________.
My particular area of skill is: ___________________________________________
(Give an example): ____________________________________________________________.
I can offer an employer (characteristics, such as hard working, able to work independently, problem solver,
etc.): ______________________________________________________________________________
Thank you for your time and for listening.
(Ask for a business card, referral to a job or company or person, or informational interview.)
Want to practice interviewing? Schedule an individual appointment through Navigate.
Looking for more career resources? Check out our website and start exploring opportunities on Handshake.
Website: https://necc.edu/workforce/career-services/
Email: careerservices@necc.mass.edu
Handshake: www.necc.joinhandshake.com
