It happens in every interview, at every networking event or anywhere.

Eventually, someone is going to ask you the

question, “So tell me about yourself. What do you do?”
A 30-Second Elevator Pitch (Speech) is a clear, brief message or “commercial” about you. The elevator speech is
no longer than 25 to 30 seconds are, or approximately 80 to 90 words or 8 to 10 sentences.
Step One: Answer some key questions first.
W R I T I N G A N E L E VAT O R P I T C H – S T E P B Y S T E P

• Your name, a warm greeting

• What you are studying. What you’re looking for
• What would you most want the listener to remember about you?
Depending on your situation, this can all fit into a single sentence, Something like:
“My name is Jean Jones. It is nice to meet you. I am a Post-Degree Diploma Business student at Douglas College.
I’m currently looking for a co-op position in the lower mainland”
Step Two: Tell your listener why you are awesome. What is in it for them?
• What is unique about you? What are you specific skills?
• Why should the listener be interested in your and take notice of you?
• What do you do that makes you suited to meet your goal – in this case, to find a co-op position?

“My name is Jean Jones. It is nice to meet you. I am a Post-Degree Diploma Business student at Douglas College. I
am currently looking for a co-op position in the lower mainland. I am interested in a supply chain role (production,
quality and/or inventory planning) as I interested in a co-op to enhance my relevant job skills with supply chain
management. In addition to taking classes, I am a lead volunteer at the PMI Westcoast Chapter. My skills include
workflow processes, project scheduling and customer relationship management. ”

Now you have a pitch that is really shaping up. It includes, your name and program, an industry-related skill
(supply chain management), a transferable skill (leadership, workflow processes, project scheduling and customer
relationship management), and what you are looking for (co-op opportunity). It is just missing one thing!
Step Three: End with a call to action.
• Your elevator pitch should end with a call to action for the listener.
• Usually, in the form of a question. This gives the listener the opportunity to respond to you and drive the
conversation along.
• The question you end on should further your goal – in this case finding a co-op position. For example:
o Do you know anyone looking for co-op students?
o Are there any current opportunities in your organization?
o If you have business cards, “Can I give you my card?” or “Could I keep in touch with you on LinkedIn?
So now, your pitch becomes:
“My name is Jean Jones. It is nice to meet you. I am a Post-Degree Diploma Business student at Douglas College. I
am currently looking for a co-op position in the lower mainland. I am interested in a supply chain role (production,
quality and/or inventory planning) as I interested in a co-op to enhance my relevant job skills with supply chain
management. In addition to taking classes, I am a lead volunteer at the PMI Westcoast Chapter. My skills include
workflow processes, project scheduling and customer relationship management.
Has your company ever brought on co-op students?”
Step Four: Put your elevator pitch to work.
• First, practice, practice, and practice so that you are comfortable with it.
• Remember, your elevator pitch is a component of your personal brand.
• The pitch becomes part of your professional toolkit. From your LinkedIn summary to your Twitter bio, you
want to reflect those same skills and abilities that you have in your pitch.
• Keep in mind, your pitch will change and update as you learn more skills and get more comfortable in your
industry. Keep it relevant and it will help you find all kinds of cool people and opportunities.

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CareerHub mycareer.douglascollege.ca NWS2844 / COQ A1430 Questions: Call 604-527-5889 or email cc@douglascollege.ca
 Template: Write your 30-Second Elevator Pitch
“Hello. My name is __________________________. Nice to meet you (handshake). I recently arrived in Canada from

________________where I completed a (degree/masters) ___________________________ in

___________________________________________________________________________________

Currently, I’m taking a (PDD, PD or I’m in my 1st semester of a 2 year program ______________________

________________________________[name of program] at Douglas College. I also have ____________

[months/years’ experience] in _________________________(job title) in the ______________________ [type of

industry]. I also completed an ______________(4 or 8 month internship, practicum, or co-op placement) as a

__________________________(job title) where I [describe accomplishments} _________________________________, utilizing

_______________[skill], _____________________[skill], and ________________________[skill]. I’m hope to

______________________________[find a p/t job, intern, co-op placement etc. ] opportunity in

______________________________________ or _________________________________(job title) where I could apply my

__________________ [skill],

_______________________________[skill] and ________________________ skills.

After I complete my training in __________[month/year], I plan on pursuing work in _________________

_________________________(job title) or ________________________job title). I have a really passion or interest in

____________________________________________________________[what impact do you want to make or learn more about]

where I can enhance my strengths in _____________________,

_______________________, and ____________________________. [Call to Action: finish with a

question):______________________________________________________________________________

Sample Call to Action Questions:

1. I would be interested in speaking with you about potential job opportunities at [name of company],
2. I noticed on your career website, that you are looking for (name of job position) which matches my
experience and skills. I would love to chat more about what you do? Can I get your business card or
connect with you on LinkedIn?
3. Would it be possible to meet with you to learn more about the field?
4. I would be interested in hearing your thoughts on how to get into this type of work as a new person to the
industry. When would be a good time to meet?
5. Follow-up question: ask for an information meeting. “Would you be available to meet for 10 – 30
minutes?”

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CareerHub mycareer.douglascollege.ca NWS2844 / COQ A1430 Questions: Call 604-527-5889 or email cc@douglascollege.ca