"So, tell me about yourself."
After 25 years in recruitment, I've sat across the table—both real and virtual—from hundreds of candidates. I've heard every conceivable answer to that opening question. I can tell you from the other side of the desk that your response in those first 60 seconds doesn't just start the conversation; it sets the entire tone for your candidacy.
This brief, powerful introduction is your "elevator pitch". It’s your chance to demonstrate clarity, confidence, and—most importantly—relevance.
Forget generic templates. Based on a quarter-century of seeing what works, here is an insider's guide to crafting a pitch that doesn't just get you through the door, but makes the person on the other side want to hold it open for you.
The Anatomy of a Powerful Pitch: A 4-Part Framework
The most effective pitches I've ever heard follow a clear, logical structure. They aren't rambling life stories; they are concise, strategic narratives. Think of it as building a case for yourself in four simple steps.
1. Who are you professionally? Start with your current situation, but frame it with your core value. This immediately tells me what kind of professional you are.
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Instead of: "I'm a Building Surveyor."
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Try: "I'm an MRICS chartered Building Surveyor with a focus on commercial property, specialising in technical due diligence and dilapidations for institutional funds and property companies."
2. What have you achieved?
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Instead of: "I handle things like dilapidations claims for clients."
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Try: "Last quarter, I managed a complex terminal dilapidations claim on a 100,000 sq ft industrial unit in Peterborough, negotiating a settlement that was 20% higher than the initial valuation, securing a significant return for my client."
3. What are your key skills?
- Instead of: "I have good technical and people skills."
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Try: "My success in these negotiations stems from a deep knowledge of Landlord and Tenant law, meticulous defect analysis, and robust, evidence-based negotiation tactics."
4. How can you help us?
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Instead of: "I'm just looking for a new challenge and the next step in my career."
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Try: "I am looking to apply my expertise in maximising asset value to a dynamic portfolio like yours, particularly within the growing logistics and distribution sector across the North Home Counties."
From Good to Unforgettable: Building a Winning Pitch
Following the framework above will give you a solid, professional pitch. But the candidates who are truly unforgettable, the ones clients end up fighting to hire, build on that foundation with these three steps.
1: Go Beyond Facts, Tell a Story
The human brain is wired for narrative. A list of facts is forgettable, but a mini-story sticks. The best candidates don't just state their achievement; they frame it as a 'Challenge-Action-Result' story. They show me a problem they faced, what they did about it, and the successful outcome. This demonstrates problem-solving ability in a far more compelling way than just listing skills.
2: Tailor It or Forget It
I can spot a generic, one-size-fits-all pitch from a mile away. It shows a lack of genuine interest. The difference between a candidate who gets a polite "thank you" and one who gets a second interview is almost always tailoring. Read the job description, research the company's recent projects or challenges, and infuse your pitch with their language. Show that you aren't just looking for a job; you are specifically interested in this job, with this company.
3: Practice for Confidence, Not Perfection
Your delivery matters as much as your words. A pitch that sounds like a memorised script feels unnatural. A hesitant, uncertain delivery undermines your message. The goal is to internalise your key points so well that you can deliver them with natural confidence and enthusiasm. Practice it out loud. Record yourself on your phone. The aim isn't to be a robot, but to be so comfortable with your story that your passion and professionalism can shine through.
Your Career, Your Narrative
Your "elevator pitch" is more than just an interview answer; it's a tool for taking control of your professional narrative. By building it on a solid framework and elevating it with storytelling, tailoring, and confident practice, you are presenting the very best version of yourself.
After 25 years, I can assure you clarity and confidence are currencies that never lose their value. Invest in your pitch, and you invest in your career.