An elevator pitch is a short spoken introduction that tells someone who you are, what you do and what you want, in about 30 to 60 seconds. A strong one opens doors at networking events, career fairs and interviews.
Below are 6 elevator pitch examples, followed by a free builder with three starting points. Make your own, then print it or copy it, and practice it out loud. The examples are for people with work experience.
AdvertisementThe people, employers and numbers in these examples are fictional. Replace them with your own true information.
6 Elevator Pitch Examples
Quick jump: Networking eventCareer fairInterviewCareer changerSoftware developerFollow-up messageFree elevator pitch builder
Elevator Pitch Example for a Networking Event
75 words. Goal and call to action are clear.
Elevator Pitch Example for a Nurse at a Career Fair
76 words. Ends with a question and a resume hand-off.
Elevator Pitch Example for an Interview (Tell Me About Yourself)
76 words. Ties past results to the job being discussed.
Elevator Pitch Example for a Career Changer
Hello, I am Michael Brown. I spent 8 years managing a retail store team of 20 and hit every sales goal for 3 years, and I recently earned my Project Management certificate. I am looking for a project coordinator role where I can use my planning and team skills. Which skills matter most on your team? If you are open to it, I would like to connect on LinkedIn and send my resume to you this week.
77 words. Turns the old job into skills for the new one.
Elevator Pitch Example for a Software Developer
Hi, I am Ashley Williams, a software developer with 6 years of experience building mobile apps. My latest app reached 100,000 downloads and cut customer support tickets by 30%. I enjoy working closely with designers and product managers every day. I am looking for a senior developer role on a product team. What are you working on right now? Could I send you my portfolio, and may I follow up by email after the fair?
76 words. Uses two numbers and asks about the listener’s work.
Follow-Up Message After Your Elevator Pitch
Subject: Great Meeting You at Tuesday’s Networking Event
Hello Mr. Anderson, I am writing to follow up on our conversation at Tuesday’s networking event. I enjoyed hearing about your team’s client growth plans. As I mentioned, I am an account manager with 8 years of experience, and I would welcome a 15-minute call next week. My resume is attached. Thank you for your time.
Best regards,
Jessica Johnson
(555) 010-1900
jessica.johnson@example.com
A short note within a day or two keeps the conversation going. This timing is my own advice.
Free Elevator Pitch Builder
Step 1. Where will you use it?
Step 2. What is your goal?
Step 3. Tap the lines to add. Two or three is plenty, or the pitch gets too long.
Step 4. Click any text in the elevator pitch below and type or modify to make it yours.
Replace the name, job title, years and numbers with your own true information. Read it aloud and time it; keep it between 30 and 60 seconds. Delete any line that does not fit.
My Elevator Pitch (30 to 60 seconds, about 75 to 85 words)
Hi, I am Jessica Johnson, an account manager with 8 years of experience helping retail clients grow.Hello, I am Jessica Johnson. I am an account manager, and I have spent 8 years helping retail clients grow.Thank you for meeting with me. I am Jessica Johnson, an account manager with 8 years of experience helping retail clients grow. I am looking for a senior account manager role at a company that values long-term client relationships.I am here to learn about your company and how my skills could help your team.I would like an introduction to someone on your sales team, because I admire how your company serves its clients.
Last year, my team raised client renewals by 20%.
I trained 5 new account managers.
I am certified in Salesforce.
Could we exchange contact information?
Could I send you my resume this week?
I would love to hear how your team works with clients.
May I follow up with you by email next week?
I enjoy turning unhappy clients into long-term partners.
I would be glad to share a short example of my work.
Thank you for taking the time to talk with me.
I credit my team and my mentor for much of this success.
I would like to learn how your team measures success.
Reminder: Practice out loud, but do not memorize it word for word. Speak slowly and finish with a clear next step.
To save your elevator pitch: press Ctrl+P (Windows) or Cmd+P (Mac) and choose Save as PDF. Only the elevator pitch prints. To copy it, select the text inside the elevator pitch and press Ctrl+C or Cmd+C.
Which Starting Point Fits You?
| Your situation | Builder choice | What to highlight |
|---|---|---|
| Meeting people at an event | Networking event | Your result, your goal and a request to exchange contacts |
| Talking to recruiters at a fair | Career fair | Your skills, an interest in the company and a resume hand-off |
| Opening an interview | Interview opener | Results tied to the job, then your goal |
How to Write an Elevator Pitch in 4 Steps
| Step | What to say |
|---|---|
| 1. Introduce yourself | Give your name and a friendly greeting |
| 2. Summarize what you do | Two or three sentences about your work, tailored to the listener |
| 3. Explain your goal | State a specific goal, such as a job, a mentor or a collaboration; avoid vague statements |
| 4. Close with a call to action | Propose a next step, such as exchanging contact details or setting up a follow-up |
What Your Pitch Should Answer
| Your pitch answers | Example |
|---|---|
| Who are you? | Jessica Johnson, an account manager |
| What do you do? | Help retail clients grow; renewals up 20% |
| What are you looking for? | A senior account manager role |
| What happens next? | Exchange contact information and follow up next week |
Length, Delivery and Practice
| Rule | How to use it |
|---|---|
| Length | 30 to 60 seconds, typically 75 to 85 words |
| The 3 Cs | Clarity (plain language), conciseness (only what matters) and confidence |
| Do your research | Match your skills to the person or company and avoid questions a quick web search could answer |
| Body language | Use hand gestures in moderation, keep your energy up, lean in when appropriate and smile |
| Practice | Do not memorize word for word; practice alone, with a friend or mentor |
Common Elevator Pitch Mistakes
| Mistake | Fix |
|---|---|
| Speaking too fast | Slow down so your key result lands |
| Including too much | Keep to three key points at most |
| A generic pitch | Tailor each pitch to the listener |
| No call to action | End with a clear next step |
| Fidgeting or too many hand motions | Ground your feet and keep gestures moderate |
Elevator Pitch Checklist
Tick each item as you finish. Your pitch is ready when the counter reaches 10.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is an elevator pitch?
A short spoken introduction, usually 30 to 60 seconds, that says who you are, what you do, what you are looking for and what should happen next.
How long should an elevator pitch be?
Indeed says about 30 to 60 seconds, typically 75 to 85 words. MIT CAPD also recommends 30 to 60 seconds.
What should I include?
Your name, what you do, one result with a number, your goal and a call to action. Indeed advises trimming to the essentials.
How do I end an elevator pitch?
With a call to action, such as exchanging contact details or setting up a short call. Indeed lists a missing call to action as a common mistake.
Should I memorize it?
No. Indeed advises learning the four parts and speaking conversationally, which sounds more natural than a script.
How do I tailor my pitch?
Match your skills and results to the listener or event, and use research to show that you know their work.
Can I use an elevator pitch in an interview?
Yes. It works well as an answer to ’Tell me about yourself’ if you tie your results to the job.
What should I do if the listener asks a question?
Answer it directly, then ask a question of your own to turn the conversation back, as Indeed suggests.
How do I stop being nervous?
Practice out loud, breathe slowly and keep your energy up. MIT CAPD also suggests a positive attitude and humor.
Should I follow up afterward?
Yes. A short note within a day or two, with your resume attached, keeps the conversation going. This timing is general advice, not from MIT or Indeed.
Conclusion
A good elevator pitch is short, specific and easy to say. Share who you are, one result and your goal, then end with a clear next step. Use the builder above to write yours, and practice it out loud.
Related Reading
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- Sample expression of interest letter for a job
- Statement of interest for a job sample
Sources: Indeed Career Guide, How to Give an Elevator Pitch (With 6 Examples). MIT Career Advising and Professional Development, Develop your elevator pitch. The example pitches, people and numbers are fictional.