An elevator pitch is one of the most effective tools a job seeker can have in their arsenal.  An elevator pitch is a brief; but power oral sales pitch of your skills and value to prospective employers.  Usually about 30 to 60 seconds in length the elevator pitch is designed to generate from the employer interest in meeting or receiving a resume. Below are some of the most important elements of a good elevator pitch:

1. Brevity and Clarity.  Elevator speeches should contain as few words as possible and the job seeker should use easy to understand language. Avoid industry specific words and acronyms that your audience may not understand.
2. Employer Focused. An elevator speech should contain information that conveys how the job seeker can offer solutions to the employer’s problems. For example, the job seeker might say, “I settled six difficult cases last year.”  This type of statement might frame the attorney as someone who can resolve conflict and save money.
3. Customize. An elevator speech should be customized to address the needs, interests and problems of the listener. For example, you probably don’t want to mention criminal law experience if you’re talking to a firm focused on family law.
4. Natural. While the elevator speech is a sales pitch it should sound natural and conversational. If the person to whom you’re speaking wants to interrupt with a question be prepared to answer even if you’re in the middle of your pitch.