How to Craft a Targeted Elevator Pitch That Gets You Noticed

(Worksheet Included at the bottom)📝

When you are looking for your next role, whether after a layoff or during a career transition, first impressions matter. A well-crafted elevator pitch can make all the difference in networking events, interviews, or casual conversations with potential employers. An effective pitch is not just about summarizing your experience. It is about tailoring your story to the audience you want to reach!

Step 1: Understand Your Audience

Before you start writing your pitch, ask yourself who you will be speaking to and what your ideal employer or networking contact values in a candidate. Understanding your audience allows you to focus on the points that matter most to them. Consider:

• The skills or qualities they are seeking

• The challenges they face in their industry or company

• How you can add unique value compared to other candidates

Step 2: Clarify Your Key Message

A strong pitch conveys a clear message about who you are and what you bring to the table. Identify the two most important things you want your audience to know about you and make them the backbone of your pitch. These could be:

• Core strengths or expertise

• A major achievement that sets you apart

• Unique experiences that make you especially suited for the role

Step 3: Highlight Your Achievements

To make your pitch persuasive, include concrete examples of your accomplishments. Think of 2 to 3 key achievements that demonstrate your expertise and support the main points you want to communicate. Numbers, outcomes, or specific projects can make your pitch memorable and credible.

Step 4: Identify What Makes You Unique

Consider what sets you apart from others in your field. This could be a combination of:

• Specialized skills or certifications

• Unique professional experiences

• A distinctive approach to problem-solving

• Emphasizing your uniqueness gives your audience a reason to remember you.

Step 5: Prepare for Objections

It is normal to anticipate concerns or questions from a potential employer. Think about areas where you might be challenged, such as gaps in experience or unfamiliarity with a specific tool, and be ready to address them confidently. Framing challenges as opportunities for growth can turn a potential weakness into a strength.

Step 6: Tailor for Each Opportunity

No single pitch works for every situation. Adjust your messaging based on the company, industry, role, and location. A pitch for a startup in tech might emphasize adaptability and innovation. A pitch for a corporate position might highlight process improvements and leadership.

A strong, targeted elevator pitch is more than a summary of your experience. It is a tool that allows you to communicate your value, build confidence, and leave a lasting impression. By understanding your audience, clarifying your key message, highlighting accomplishments, emphasizing what makes you unique, and preparing for objections, you can create a pitch that opens doors.

Worksheet: Build Your Targeted Elevator Pitch Exercise

1. Know Your Audience

• Who will you be speaking to? _________________________________________

• What qualities or skills are they looking for in a candidate? _________________________________________

• What challenges or goals might they have that you can help solve? _________________________________________

2. Define Your Core Message

• The most important thing I want them to know about me: _________________________________________

• The second most important thing I want them to know: _________________________________________

3. Highlight Achievements

List 2–3 accomplishments that support your core message:

1. 
   
2. 
   
3. 
   

4. Identify What Makes You Unique

• What sets you apart from other candidates? _________________________________________

• What strengths or experiences give you a unique perspective? _________________________________________

5. Anticipate Questions or Concerns

• Any objections or concerns you think they might raise: _________________________________________

• How you can respond confidently: _________________________________________

6. Tailor for the Opportunity

• Role or function you are targeting: _________________________________________

• Industry or company type: _________________________________________

• Location or geographic focus: _________________________________________

7. Practice Your Pitch

Write a concise version of your elevator pitch (30–60 seconds)

If you would like help developing a pitch tailored to your career goals, I offer career coaching sessions that focus on clarity, confidence, and strategy.  Book a free consultation here https://calendar.google.com/calendar/u/0/appointments/schedules/AcZssZ2sTMlXeSo85gY-F2b5iUe4FqXojzDL8wf8oHzKATv4LSu9UjtXtnQnM9xPjgXfrHeSNY9SV6k6 and start shaping your next chapter with purpose. (:

Ai Sakura (Aimee), PCC, ACPEC

Professional Career Coach

*I strive to be the most present and compassionate coach⭐️