“Tell me about yourself.” These words from an interviewer can stop some job seekers in their tracks. Despite all of their preparation, these simple words often represent the one potential “question” they did not prepare for.

By creating an elevator speech that tells the interviewer about your professional background, the skills and strengths you bring to the role and your career goals, you are able to position yourself as a qualified candidate.

To create your elevator speech, take a few minutes to complete the steps below. For each one, jot down a few examples or highlights that will help explain why you are the best candidate for the job. The goal is to create a pitch that can be said in the time it takes for a short elevator ride.

Step 1: Describe Your Professional Background
What jobs have you held that are relevant to the position you are interviewing for?

Step 2: Describe Your Skills and Strengths
What skills and strengths do you have that match the job description and the company’s needs?

Step 3: Explain Your Career Goals
Where do you see your career in three to five years? When describing your career goals make the connection between the position you are interviewing for and your future.

Once you have completed each step, combine the answers into a short two to three sentence paragraph that doesn’t exceed 60 seconds when said out loud.

Example Elevator Speeches

Below are two examples of effective elevator pitches.

I have more than 10 years of experience in retail sales. As a supervisor, I have created employee schedules, overseen daily operations and managed customer questions and complaints. The next step for me is a management role in a large department store that will allow me to build upon my experience.
My career in marketing and communications spans 25 years. Over this time, I have led communications strategies for major capital improvement projects, conducted hundreds of media interviews and led crisis communications efforts on a variety of issues. As a consultant, I draw upon this experience to help clients communicate more effectively with their customers.

Memorize Your Elevator Speech

Once you have finished your elevator pitch, practice it, say it out loud and commit it to memory. You want to be able to say it naturally without it sounding rehearsed.

Other Ways to Use Your Elevator Speech

Your elevator speech is not just for your interview. You can also use it in your networking efforts, at job fairs and on your social media profiles.

And don’t be afraid to update it. As you go to more interviews and networking events, you may find new ways to talk about your skills and your future goals.

Dress for Success Triangle offers career tools to women at no cost. Meet with a career and image coach to prepare for your next interview by requesting an appointment here.

Mindy Hamlin is President of Hamlin Communications