Crafting Your Elevator Pitch: Nail the “Tell Me About Yourself” Moment
Few questions make students freeze faster than:
“So, tell me about yourself.”
Whether you’re at a career fair, in an interview, or chatting with a professional at a networking event, this moment matters. It’s often your very first impression. And with the right prep, it can be your confidence booster instead of your stress trigger.
Why It’s So Tricky
Most students fall into one of three traps:
Rambling through their entire resume
Giving a one-liner that doesn’t stand out
Sounding overly rehearsed and scripted
That’s where your elevator pitch comes in - it helps you find the sweet spot: confident, compelling, and concise.
What Is an Elevator Pitch?
An elevator pitch is a 30 - 60 second introduction that captures:
Who you are
What you’re interested in
What makes you unique
It should feel natural, not memorized—and leave the listener wanting to learn more.
Why It Matters
Your ability to introduce yourself with clarity and enthusiasm sets the tone for the conversation. It shows:
Self-awareness
Confidence
Preparation
Three things every employer values.
A Simple Structure to Follow
Think of it as Intro → Interests → Impact → Intention
Intro
Name, school, major, year
Quick detail that connects you to your audience
Interests
What fields or industries you’re exploring
A project, class, or internship that sparked your curiosity
Impact
A skill, strength, or experience that makes you stand out
Something you’re passionate about or currently working toward
Intention
Why you’re excited to be in the conversation
What you’re hoping to learn or explore next
Sample Pitch
"Hi, I’m Maya Patel - a sophomore at the University of Michigan studying Business and minoring in Psychology. I’ve always been interested in the intersection of people and performance, which led me to intern at a leadership development startup last summer. I loved the fast-paced environment and learning how organizations build culture. I’m exploring roles in HR and consulting, and I’m excited to connect with professionals in the space to learn more about career paths and company cultures."
Tips for Success
Be authentic: Let your personality come through.
Practice, but don’t memorize: Know your story well enough to share it naturally.
Tailor it: Adjust depending on who you’re talking to.
End with a question or comment: Invite the other person into the conversation.
Smile and use positive body language: Your nonverbal cues speak volumes.
Common Pitfalls to Avoid
❌ Listing every class you’ve taken
❌ Rattling off your resume start to finish
❌ Going over 60 seconds
❌ Ending without showing genuine curiosity about the other person
Challenge Yourself
Write down your pitch using the structure above. Then:
Practice with a friend, coach, or family member
Record it on your phone and play it back
Try it out at a student org meeting or networking event
The more you practice, the more natural it will feel - and the more confident you’ll be the next time someone says, “So, tell me about yourself.”
