You Have 30 Seconds: Go! How to Nail Your Elevator Pitch

Have you ever blown a chance at getting a job, impressing someone in your field, or landing a dream client simply because you stumbled over the question: "So, what do you do?"

Yep. Me too.

It happens to the best of us. But the good news? You don’t have to let it happen again.

As a career coach, I’ve seen this moment go both ways, someone who absolutely crushes their elevator pitch and someone who freezes or fumbles. Spoiler: it’s rarely about talent and almost always about preparation.

So let’s fix it.

Why Your Elevator Pitch Matters

That 30-second window? It can be a game-changer. You never know who you're going to meet in line at Starbucks, at your kid’s soccer game, or on a random Tuesday Zoom call. Being ready gives you confidence and opens doors.

Career planning isn’t just about resumes and interviews. It’s also about being able to communicate your value quickly and clearly.

If you feel stuck in your job or unsure about how to position yourself, having a strong pitch can also bring clarity to your direction.

6 Tips for Crafting a Great Elevator Pitch

1. Keep it simple.
Avoid industry jargon. Speak like a human. The goal is to be understood, not to sound like a walking LinkedIn headline.

2. Focus on the impact.
What difference do you make in people’s lives? That’s the good stuff.

3. Use analogies.
Compare your work to something relatable. It helps people connect the dots.

4. State a fact.
Something like: "I help students avoid wasting thousands on the wrong college path." Boom. That lands.

5. Share a real-world example.
Nothing paints a picture better than a quick story. People remember stories.

6. Practice.
Seriously. Rehearse in the mirror, in the car, or with your dog. Say it until it feels natural, not like a script.

What a Great Elevator Pitch Sounds Like

Let me show you instead of just telling you. Here are four examples based on real conversations I’ve had:

Example 1:
"I work with 16-26-year-olds to help them determine a career path and the best education to achieve their goals. This saves families time and money on education expenses and produces happier, more confident young people."

Example 2:
"Did you know that 30% of students don’t return to college after their freshman year? Often this happens because they don’t have clear career goals, so when college gets uncomfortable, they quit. I help young people create a career path so they can get confident about their future."

Example 3:
"Let me tell you about Noah. He told me, 'I love golf! The restaurants, the pro shop, the smell of the grass!' His face lit up. That’s when I knew I had him. I help young people make connections between their interests and real career paths. Now, Noah is studying Landscape Architecture to design and build golf courses."

Example 4:
"I help young people bridge the gap between their interests and careers. A lot of adults say, 'Do what you’re passionate about.' But kids hear that and think, 'I like video games and snacks.' I help them find real jobs that connect with their real interests."

Time to Write Yours

So, here’s your homework: Write a 30-second pitch that clearly explains what you do and why it matters.

Use the six tips above. Keep it clear, conversational, and true to you.

Then (and this is important) share it. Post it in the comments. Send it to a friend. Practice out loud. Refine it. Make it second nature.

Because when that moment comes again—and it will come again, you’ll be ready.

Want More Help Getting Clarity in Your Career?

If crafting your pitch is hard because you’re not even sure what you want to do next, you’re not alone. That’s where I come in.

I help people get clear on their strengths, avoid costly mistakes in their career path, and feel confident in what they’re building.

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