What should an elevator pitch include?

Who you are, what you do or offer, one proof such as a result or example, what you want next, and a question that invites the other person to keep talking.

How do you end an elevator pitch?

With a specific ask or question: an introduction, a meeting, a follow-up email or a question about their work. Then stop talking and listen.

What is a good elevator pitch for a student?

Say your year and field, one project or experience that shows your interest, what kind of opportunity you are looking for, and a question for the person you are talking to. Keep it under 45 seconds.

How to Write an Elevator Pitch (Examples and Template)

Q: How long should an elevator pitch be?

30 to 60 seconds, which is about 65 to 130 words at a steady pace of 130 words per minute. Thirty seconds is usually enough at a networking event.

An elevator pitch is a 30 to 60 second introduction that says who you are, what you do, one proof that you're good at it, and what you want next. At a steady 130 words per minute, that's about 65 to 130 words. Write it in four parts, cut every word that doesn't earn its place, and practice it out loud until it sounds like a conversation, not a commercial.

What is an elevator pitch?

An elevator pitch is a short, spoken summary you can give in the time of an elevator ride. You use it at career fairs, networking events, interviews, investor meetings and anywhere someone asks, "So, what do you do?" A good one makes the other person want to ask a follow-up question.

How long should an elevator pitch be?

30 to 60 seconds, which is about 65 to 130 words at 130 words per minute. Thirty seconds is plenty for a networking event; save the full minute for when someone has asked you to tell them more. To check yours, paste it into the speech length calculator.

How to write an elevator pitch in 5 steps

Start with who you are, in one sentence: your role or situation and what you're known for. "I'm a project coordinator who keeps complicated jobs on schedule."
Say what you do or offer, in plain words, with no jargon.
Add one proof: a result, a number or a short example. One proof beats three adjectives.
Say what you want: a job, an introduction, a meeting, feedback. Make the ask specific.
End with a question that invites a conversation, then stop talking.

A fill-in template:

"I'm [name], a [role] who [what you're known for]. [One result or example that proves it.] I'm looking for [what you want]. [A question that invites the next step]?"

Elevator pitch examples

These are original examples. Each one follows the same five steps, and each runs under a minute.

Job seeker

"I'm a project coordinator with five years in construction, and I'm known for keeping complicated jobs on schedule. On my last project, a forty-unit apartment build, I set up a weekly planning meeting between the site team and the suppliers, and we finished three weeks early. I'm looking for a project manager role where I can do that on bigger jobs. Do you know anyone on your team I should talk to about the opening?"

75 words, about 35 seconds at 130 words per minute.

Student at a career fair

"Hi, I'm Maya, a sophomore studying environmental science. This summer I helped my city map its tree canopy, which got me hooked on using data to plan greener neighborhoods. I'm looking for an internship where I can work on real planning projects and learn from people who do this every day. What does a summer intern usually work on at your firm?"

62 words, about 30 seconds at 130 words per minute.

Career changer

"I spent eight years as a restaurant manager, and I'm moving into human resources. Running a team of thirty taught me how to hire, train and keep good people when the pressure is on. I've just finished an HR certificate, and I'm looking for a role where I can do that work full time. Could I ask you a few questions about how your HR team is set up?"

69 words, about 30 seconds at 130 words per minute.

Founder

"I'm Sam, and I'm building a scheduling app for dog walkers. Most walkers run their business from text messages and a paper calendar, which means missed walks and late payments. Our app handles booking, reminders and payments in one place, and fifty walkers in our city have used it this year. We're raising a small round to launch in two more cities. Can I send you a one-page summary?"

69 words, about 30 seconds at 130 words per minute.

Freelancer at a networking event

"I'm Lena, a freelance copywriter for small online shops. I help store owners rewrite their product pages so customers understand what they're buying, and my clients usually see fewer returns and questions. If you know a shop owner who's buried in customer emails, I'd love an introduction."

47 words, about 20 seconds at 130 words per minute.

Elevator pitch vs "Tell me about yourself"

They overlap, but they're not the same. An elevator pitch is a cold introduction that ends with an ask. "Tell me about yourself" is an interview answer: a little longer (60 to 90 seconds), it ends by connecting you to the job you're interviewing for. See how to answer "Tell me about yourself".

Mistakes to avoid

Too long. If it takes more than a minute, it's a speech. Cut to one proof.
Too vague. "I'm passionate about helping people" says nothing. Say what you actually do.
Jargon. If a friend outside your field wouldn't understand it, rewrite it.
No ask. Without one, the conversation stalls. Know what you want before you start.
Reciting it. Learn the four beats, not the exact words, so it sounds natural every time.

Practice it out loud

Say your pitch out loud ten times over a few days, timing it each time. The first versions will be long; by the end you'll have a tight, natural version. Record one and listen back: you'll hear the sentence that drags.

Mic Buddy has a drill made for this: the 30-second answer drill asks you a question and gives you a goal of 25 to 35 seconds with your main point first, and the Mock interview includes a pitch Q and A, where you practice answering the questions an investor or buyer would ask. After each take it shows your pace and filler words. It's free to download on iPhone and iPad. Using it takes a subscription: a yearly, monthly or weekly plan.

For interviews, also see the STAR method and interview practice.