Who do you think you are? Elevator pitch

Circle back to the main interviewing lesson Do Now and ask students to have their responses close by.

Explain that an interview is a chance to make a strong first impression, but in order to do that, you have to be prepared. One way to prepare is to write an elevator pitch—or a quick synopsis of your background and experience.

Framing tip: 

Remind your students of the importance of going into interviews prepared. Reassure them that even though some of these practice exercises might feel awkward at first, everyone is here to help each other out. And that this kind of practice will lead them to greater self-awareness. Remind them that these activities are all about helping their future selves feel confident and ready for job interviews when the time comes.

Tell students that an elevator pitch needs to be short (30-60 seconds).

Share this list of elevator pitch writing tips with your students. 

Elevator pitch writing tips:  

• Keep it brief. Don’t tell your whole life story. Give a short recap of who you are and what you do.  
• Be persuasive and positive. Like a strong thesis statement, you want to get the hiring manager’s attention. Focus on what you want to do–not what you don’t.  
• Mention your goals. Get to the point and say what you’re looking for.  
• Know your audience. Research the industry and company and notice the language they use when they talk about their work, and write your elevator pitch using that language. 

Share an example. You can share a video or written examples on the slides.

 Students write their elevator pitch.

Students will pair up with another student and give their pitch. 

Ask students to give each feedback (a glow and a grow) using the elevator pitch writing tips as a guide. Students can also use this list of criteria for how to deliver a strong elevator pitch. 

Elevator pitch delivery tips: 

• Don’t speak too fast.  
• Avoid filler words “like,” “um.”  
• Deliver your pitch with energy and enthusiasm. 
• Avoid a monotone delivery and use expression.  
• Make eye contact.

There are a lot of different ways you can extend this activity. You can ask students to make a video of themselves and then watch their elevator pitch. They can set a goal for areas they want to keep practicing and improving on. You can give students opportunities to keep practicing their pitch with each other and giving and getting feedback.

Optional Do Now recap (5 minutes)

In a subsequent class, ask students to answer: Did you have a chance to practice your elevator pitch outside of class? How did it go? What did you learn?

Self-assessment: Give students the opportunity to reflect on this activity and set goals.