Your elevator pitch is a short description of your background, skills and interests that can help generate conversation and make an excellent first impression.
Craft your elevator pitch
- Who are you?
- Name, what you do or want to do.
- What are your strengths?
- Relevant skills, experience and knowledge.
- What are you seeking?
- Indicate interest in their organization/industry and why.
Elevator Pitch: Example 1
“Hello, I am [your name], a [ your level and program] student with experience in [list functions/capabilities]. My strengths and interests include [unique activities/professional qualities]. I have worked with [list relevant organizations/industries]. I am seeking opportunities in [industries/fields].”
Then, end with a question to ask them about their organization, role or industry to keep the conversation going.
Elevator Pitch: Example 2
“Hello, my name is [your name]. Nice to meet you. I understand that your organization does [research what the organization does]. While pursuing my degree in [your degree], I have developed skills in [select 1 to 3 relevant skills]. I am at Career Fair because I am interested in learning more information about how I can use these skills in your industry.”
“In addition to my education, I have also worked in [again, draw upon something relevant]. Is there someone at your organization who I could contact? May I mention that I spoke to you at Career Fair?”
Elevator Pitch: Example 3
“Hi, my name is [your name]. How are you enjoying the job fair today? I am very interested to find out that your company was going to be here today as I learned about the new grad recruitment program you do in [research what the company does] area.”
“I have been really involved in student leadership opportunities and am seeking a chance to contributing my [example: leadership and analytical skills].”
“I am in my [year and program] and I was wondering about recommendations you have about experiences I should focus on getting if I’m targeting an opportunity in this [field/your organization]?”
Conversation starters:
You don’t need to always start with your elevator pitch, here are some examples of ways to initiate a conversation with company representatives at a Career Fair.
Some examples
- “Hi, my name is [your name], and I’m currently studying [your Program]. I’m interested in [Field/Industry], and I’d love to hear more about the opportunities at [Company Name].”
- “Could you share some advice on how someone with my background in [Your Program] could best prepare for a career at [Company Name]? ”
- “I noticed that [Company Name] is known for [something about the company’s work]. Can you tell me more about what roles you’re currently recruiting for and what skills you find most valuable?”
- “I’ve been following your recent initiatives in [specific project or field], and I’m really impressed. Could you tell me how new hires are involved in similar projects? ”
Prepare additional questions
Being curious and interested in the company, person and industry is a great way to keep the conversation going and to learn more to guide your job or career exploration. Adjust your questions based on who you are talking to.
Some examples
- “What type of [work or volunteer] experiences should I focus on getting if I am targeting an opportunity in your team?”
- “What training would you recommend getting that would be most marketable in [name the field]?”
- “Are there individuals in your organization who may be willing to share their career stories with me?”
- “What advice do you have for university students/graduates regarding their job search and in this field?”