Your power pitch: Make a lasting impression in 60 seconds

An elevator pitch is a short 30-60-second summary of who you are, what you do and what you’re looking for.

Imagine you’re in an elevator with someone important and you only have a few floors to introduce yourself and make a connection. It’s your quick, go-to way to explain your value and spark interest in a conversation

When speaking with prospective employers it's always wise to have your elevator pitch prepared. A well-crafted pitch allows you to quickly introduce yourself to industry connections or prospective employers and clearly communicate who you are and what you are looking for. It will work wonders when starting any conversation and will kick-start your conversation in a positive light.

Take a look at our top tips on how to prepare your own opener.

Be brief Keep your opening pitch short and sweet. Make sure that it's 60 seconds or less, focuses on key points and save the details for later conversations or for your interview (!).

Be clear Answer three questions: Who are you? What do you do? What are you interested in doing? This helps employers to understand your background and goals.

Be confident Deliver your pitch confidently. Don't rush, speak clearly and make eye contact. Confidence makes a strong impact!

Highlight your value What makes you stand out from others? Identify your unique selling points (USPs) and include them in your pitch.

Practice Memorise your pitch and practice until it feels natural. You’ll be amazed how a polished opener can grab the interviewer’s attention and set the scene for a successful interview.

Example

“I’m a final year student, studying fashion marketing at the University of XX

This summer, I am planning an internship in London to apply my skills and learn more about the industry. I am particularly interested in digital marketing and public relations and I am eager to gain exposure to fashion sustainability. Your organisation is a leader in this space and I would love the opportunity to intern with you to enhance my knowledge and skills.

In the past few years, I’ve worked on social media campaigns on campus and conducted brand development research to build my skills. My dissertation work has given me a deep understanding of [specific area related to sustainable fashion], which will allow me to add insights and learning during my internship."

A well-crafted and well-rehearsed elevator pitch is a simple but powerful tool for your internship search.

Action Create your own elevator pitch and write it down, practice out loud until you have it memorised.

By now, you’ve had the chance to look at your personal brand. Make sure you’ve reviewed all sections of the hub before moving on to starting your internship search