Ca¯¯ Md¼e:
Ma¯·e«lg ·he EeÐa·«
Pl·ch
Ana Paula Montanha Chief Human Resources Officer
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Introduction
First impressions matter, whether in a boardroom, a networking event, or a chance encounter at an airport lounge.
As professionals, your ability to present who you are, what you bring, and where you are going, in 60 to 90 seconds, can open doors that might otherwise remain closed.
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Y¼« 30-Secd EeÐa·« Pl·ch
I’ll help you prepare your professional Elevator Pitch that highlights your skills and strengths.
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30-Secd EeÐa·« Pl·ch Defll·l
Be ready to introduce yourself and your value in a short, impactful statement.
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STEP 1
The step 1 is about who you are.
'I'm a [your profession] with [X] years of experiencein {Y}
STEP 2
The step 2 is about what you do best
'I specialize in [specific skill] and have helped [companies] achieve [results].
STEP 3
The step 3 is about Why you stand out.
'Unlike others, I [unique value proposition].'
1. Be Clear & Concise
Principle: You have a very short window.
Avoid jargon, filler words, or long backstories.
Guidance: Aim for three sentences: Who you are, what you do, and what you want.
Example: “My name is Julia Santos, I’m a recent graduate in Computer Science with a focus on AI and data analytics. I’ve led two university projects on predictive modeling with realworld business applications. I’m eager to contribute my skills to a technology-driven company solving complex business challenges.”
PLAN YOURS
2. Highlight What Makes You Unique
Principle: Employers and contacts meet hundreds of graduates. Why should they remember you?
Guidance: Choose one signature skill, achievement, or passion that distinguishes you.
Example: “While many of my peers studied general finance, I specialized in sustainable investment strategies and recently coauthored a paper on ESG risk management.”
3. Tailor It to Your Audience
Principle: A pitch is never one-size-fits-all.
Guidance: Adjust based on context: recruiter, CEO, professor, or potential client.
Example:
To a recruiter at a career fair: “I’m looking for entry-level marketing analyst roles where I can apply my experience in digital campaign analytics.”
To an executive at a networking dinner: “I specialize in consumer behavior analytics, and I’d be very interested in learning how your company translates insights into global brand strategy.”
YES , YOU WILL HAVE TO WRITE ONE SPECIFIC FOR EACH AUDIENCE .
4. End with a Call to Action
Principle: Don’t leave your listener wondering “what next?”
Guidance: Suggest a concrete follow-up: exchange of contact details, informational interview, or application process.
Example: “Would you be open to connecting on LinkedIn so I can follow your company’s career opportunities?”
5. Practice, Practice, Practice
Principle: Confidence sells competence.
Guidance: Record yourself, practice with peers, and refine until natural.
Tip: Eye contact, steady tone, and body language are as important as words.
Exercise: Close your eyes, plan you pitch, write it down, pitch to yourself in 60 seconds, then write one piece of positive feedback and one suggestion for improvement.
P«ac·lce: A Mde Pl·ch
“Good afternoon, my name is David Lee, and I’m completing my degree in Mechanical Engineering at the University of Michigan. I specialize in robotics and automation, having designed a prototype drone for disaster relief operations that won first place in a national competition. I am eager to apply my technical knowledge in a global company where innovation meets impact. May I send you my résumé or connect on LinkedIn?”
Your elevator pitch is not about reciting a script; it is about owning your story with clarity, confidence, and purpose.
If you prepare thoughtfully, tailor strategically, and deliver authentically, you will make a good first impression, and a lasting one.
ELEVATOR PITCH WORKSHOP WORKSHEET
USE THIS WORKSHEET TO DRAFT YOUR ELEVATOR PITCH. Follow the 5 power tips to ensure your introduction is clear, memorable, and actionable. Keep your draft concise, aim for 60 to 90 seconds when spoken aloud. Record yourself, listen and train.
ELEVATOR PITCH
WORKSHOP WORKSHEET
1. Be Clear & Concise
Write 1–2 sentences: Who you are, what you do, and what you want.
ELEVATOR PITCH
WORKSHOP WORKSHEET
2. Highlight What Makes You Unique
Identify one skill, experience, or passion that distinguishes you.
ELEVATOR PITCH WORKSHOP WORKSHEET
3. Tailor It to Your Audience
Note adjustments you would make depending on who you are speaking to.
ELEVATOR PITCH WORKSHOP WORKSHEET
4. End with a Call to Action
Decide what next step you want: LinkedIn connection, interview, email exchange.
ELEVATOR PITCH
WORKSHOP WORKSHEET
5. Practice, Practice
,
Practice
Space to refine your draft and practice until confident.
EÖa¨e: A Mde Pl·ch Ba«d«
“Good afternoon, I’m Ana Paula
Montanha. As Chief Human Resources Officer. I specialize in global mobility and executive strategy, connecting high-skilled professionals and entrepreneurs with U.S. opportunities. As Editorin-Chief of Human Capital Career Trends Magazine and a recognized Top 50 Woman Leader of Virginia, I’m passionate about shaping thriving, future-ready workforces that turn strategy into measurable growth.”
EÖa¨e: A
Mde Pl·ch Medla, Th¼gh· Leade«¯hl¨
“Good afternoon, I’m Ana Paula Montanha, Chief Human Resources Officer at HAYMAN-WOODWARD, and Editor-in-Chief of Human Capital Career Trends Magazine. My work focuses on the intersection of global mobility, executive leadership, and workforce transformation—helping high-skilled professionals and organizations thrive in today’s competitive landscape. I’m passionate about shaping the national conversation on how talent and strategy drive economic growth.