The 60-Second Intro That Can Open Doors: Mastering Your Elevator Pitch

Whether you’re applying to college, interviewing for internships, or attending a networking event, you need to be able to answer one simple but powerful question: “So, tell me about yourself.” That’s where your elevator pitch comes in.

An elevator pitch is a 30–60 second summary of who you are, what you’re about, and where you’re headed. It’s short, intentional, and tailored to the situation. Think of it as your verbal business card, a clear, compelling intro that helps people quickly understand your value and goals.

Step 1: Know Your Core Message

Before you start writing, ask yourself: What’s the one thing I want this person to remember about me? This could be your passion for a certain field, your unique background, or a key strength that sets you apart. Your pitch should revolve around that message, not your whole life story.

Example: “I’m a high school senior interested in climate science. I’ve spent the past two years doing independent research on air quality in urban areas, and I’m hoping to study environmental engineering in college to turn that research into action.”

Step 2: Break It Into Key Components

A strong elevator pitch usually includes:

• Who you are

• What you do or are interested in

• What makes you different or what you’re working on

• What you’re looking for (optional, depending on the context)

Here’s a college-oriented example: “I’m a Lincoln High senior passionate about combining design and technology. I’ve led our school’s robotics team and recently built an app that helps students track homework deadlines. I’m hoping to continue exploring human-centered tech solutions in college by majoring in computer engineering.”

Step 3: Tailor It to Your Audience

You don’t need one perfect pitch—you need a flexible one. Your version for a college fair will sound different from the one you give at a summer job interview. Always consider:

• Who’s listening?

• What do they care about?

• What do you want them to remember or ask you about next?

Step 4: Practice (But Don’t Memorize)

Practice your pitch out loud until it feels natural, not robotic. You want it to sound like a confident, conversational intro—not a script you’re reciting. Aim for a tone that’s clear, upbeat, and authentic.

Your elevator pitch is a small investment that pays off in big ways. It helps you make strong first impressions, easily navigate high-stakes conversations, and present yourself with clarity and confidence. Spend time getting it right, and practice until it feels like second nature.

Need help crafting yours? Reach out to Resume All Day for Interview Coaching services geared to help you refine your pitch to fit your goals and audience.

Interview Coaching