If a job listing is the problem, your application is the solution, a job interview is where you get to pitch yourself.

In this lesson you will learn how to have a successful job interview, by being able to pitch yourself, answer commonly asked questions, and gain confidence in talking about yourself no matter the situation.

What is a pitch? 

A concise and persuasive presentation or speech. It is a strategic communication tool commonly used in scenarios such as business, entrepreneurship, sales, marketing, and entertainment. The goal of a pitch is to capture the attention of the audience, convey key information, and persuade them to take a specific action or make a decision in favor of the presenter.

Types of pitching?

The content and style of a pitch depend on the context, the audience, and the specific goals of the presenter, but the structure will be more or less the same. Whether you're promoting a business idea, seeking funding, selling a product, or showcasing yourself during a job interview, the ability to deliver a compelling pitch is a valuable skill in many professional and personal situations.

Pitches can take various forms, such as:

  • Elevator pitch - Efficient and versatile, can be used as a business pitch, sales, investment seeking, during job interview, competitions, on social media (eg. Crowdfunding campaign). It’s brief and can be delivered in the time it takes to ride an elevator, typically up to 2 minutes.

  • Business pitch - Including sales, investment, partnership, causes, or any other situation in which your desired outcome is to gain a transactional relationship with the audience. You can learn more about this in our Starting a Business lesson.

  • Project pitch - Brainstorming, R&D departments, early stage, HR meeting for continuing employment at a company (eg. Creating value/work for yourself within the company in the future).

Whether you're networking at an event, meeting a potential client, or presenting to investors, having a good pitch allows you to adapt your message to different contexts and audiences. A successful pitch can open doors to new opportunities, partnerships, collaborations, and investments. It positions you as someone worth engaging with, even if you’re not the current solution they’re looking for, it doesn’t mean you can’t be the one in the future.

Pitch Goals

  • Capture Attention - In a world filled with information and distractions, a good pitch is crucial for grabbing and holding the listener's attention. A compelling pitch makes people want to listen and learn more.

  • Build Credibility - Demonstrate why your knowledge, expertise, and confidence are the best for the job. It builds credibility and trust with your audience.

  • .Define the problem, present a solution, facilitate action - A good pitch provides the necessary information for decision-making. Whether your goal is to secure funding, make a sale, or gain support, a persuasive pitch guides your audience toward a positive decision. In competitive environments, a good pitch helps you stand out. It articulates what makes your idea, product, or service unique and better than alternatives. A pitch forces you to distill your thoughts and articulate a clear and focused vision. This clarity not only helps your audience understand your proposition but also ensures that you have a solid understanding of the problem, a necessary solution and your own skills and goals aligning with the situation.

Why is mastering pitching the most important skill you can develop in your career and how to achieve that?

Being able to pitch effectively is not just going to significantly impact your chances of success, it’s the difference between you getting the result you want, or not. At an interview, whether official for a job position, or impromptu during a networking event, qualifications are secondary to a convincing presentation. It’s a tool that helps you present a compelling narrative, demonstrate your qualifications, and make a positive impression on potential employers.

Becoming great at pitching has no shortcuts. Watch other people’s pitches. Practice your own, record yourself, ask other people’s opinions about it. If you’re unsure, you can get coaching from organizations like us, and different recruitment events are a great way to network, while getting a chance to practice your pitching skills for free. The more you do it, the easier it becomes. We recommend professional coaching, if the stakes are high or your company is on the line.

“Tell me more about yourself” Elevator pitch

  1. The Hook (10-15 seconds)

    Make a statement or a question that grabs attention and is relevant to your audience or the context.

  2. The Problem (20-30 seconds)

    Clearly articulate the problem or challenge you are addressing. Emphasize key pain points.

  3. The Solution (or Introduction 30-40 seconds)

    Your knowledge, skills, product, service or idea as the solution to the identified problem. Highlight key features or benefits.

  4. The Value (20-30 seconds)

    What sets you or your solution apart from the alternatives. Emphasize the unique benefits or advantages.

  5. The Validation (20-30 seconds)

    Relevant data, testimonials, or early successes that validate your solution. Highlight key milestones or partnerships.

  6. Call to Action (10-15 seconds)

    Clearly state the next steps or actions you require from your audience.

  7. Introduction (optional, 10-15 seconds)

    Who are you and why are you the best person for the task. What relevant experience do you have.

  8. The Punchline (10-15 seconds)

    Summarize your pitch with a strong closing statement.

How to use the pitch format?

Fill the fields with your own information, then keep timing yourself while speaking each segment out loud with a calm and confident tone of voice, narrowing down the information to the appropriate length.

The time values are just an example, feel free to use more or less time per segment, depending on your scenario.

When writing a pitch as a beginner, you can use AI such as ChatGPT to help you with the structure.

Use the timers below for practice:

Tell me about yourself

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Why do you want to work for this company?

?

What are your strengths and weaknesses

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Where do you see yourself in 5 years

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Why should we hire you

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Tell me about yourself ? Why do you want to work for this company? ? What are your strengths and weaknesses ? Where do you see yourself in 5 years ? Why should we hire you ?

FAQs

As with pitching, remember to practice your responses, so you feel comfortable and confident during the interview.

Use specific examples from your past experiences to illustrate your skills and qualifications.

  • Your mark to begin an elevator pitch.

    • Focus on your professional background, relevant skills, and achievements.

    • Tailor your response to highlight aspects of your experience that align with the job requirements.

    • Keep it concise and relevant to the position you're applying for.

  • For strengths, highlight skills and qualities relevant to the job.

    When discussing weaknesses, choose something that is not critical to the job but show steps you've taken to improve.

  • Research the company's values, mission, and culture. Discuss how your values align with the company's and how you can contribute to their goals.

  • Show ambition but also tie your goals to the position you're applying for.

    Express a desire for professional development and growth within the company.

  • Discuss factors that align with the job and company culture.

    Highlight your passion for the industry or specific aspects of the role, as well as showcase your unique skills and experiences that make you a perfect fit for the role.

    Mention any specific accomplishments or projects that demonstrate your value.

  • Ask about the company culture, team dynamics, or the future direction of the company.

    Show genuine interest in the role and the organization.