In increasingly competitive selection processes, the details make the difference. Recruiters receive hundreds of applications and form a first impression in just a few seconds. That’s why mastering the art of crafting a personal pitch is essential. It’s a clear, objective, and compelling way to show who you are and what you can offer.
According to the website Glassdoor, each job posting receives, on average, 250 applications. In this scenario, understanding how to make a personal pitch is a positioning strategy that can determine whether you will move forward in the process.
What is a personal pitch?
The term pitch, also known as an elevator pitch, is a short and impactful presentation about your background, skills, and goals. In just 30 seconds to 2 minutes, you should spark the recruiter’s or evaluator’s interest.
In practice, it works like a sales speech: your value proposition should be clear, highlighting relevant achievements and showing how you can contribute to the company.
How to make a personal pitch: practical tips
1. Start with a clear introduction
Introduce yourself briefly: say your name, education or area of expertise, and your current objective.
2. Highlight your unique value
Show what makes you unique: a skill, relevant experience, project, or specific achievement. Use brief examples and concrete data.
3. Explain the value you can offer
Make it clear why this matters. What value do you add? What problem can you solve? How does your experience connect to the company’s goals?
4. Wrap up with an invitation to continue the conversation
Questions and invitations help keep the dialogue going: “I’m very interested in learning more about the company’s projects” or “I’d like to know what the next steps in the process are.”
5. Practice, adapt, and ask for feedback
An effective personal pitch should sound natural. Practice out loud, adapt it to the situation (job interview, academic panel, or international program), and ask for feedback.
6. Be brief and avoid jargon
Less is more. Favor clarity and simplicity.
Example of a personal pitch for an interview
Hello, my name is Mary Smith. I have a degree in Business Administration with a specialization in Digital Marketing. Over the last two years, I’ve developed social media campaigns for two startups, increasing engagement by 40% and contributing to a 15% growth in sales. I’m currently looking for an opportunity where I can apply this knowledge to brand expansion strategies, especially in international environments. I’m interested in exploring how my skills can fit your team’s challenges, and I’d love to know what the next steps are to move forward in the process.”
This template is flexible and can be adjusted for different situations. What matters is to include elements such as: who you are, what you’ve accomplished, what you can offer, what you’re looking for, and an invitation to continue the conversation.
What to say in a job interview
In addition to preparing a good personal pitch, it’s essential to know what to say in a job interview. The secret lies in balancing technical information with personal aspects that convey your values and show alignment with the company’s culture.
Mention relevant experiences, highlight skills directly related to the role, and share examples of results. Avoid generic answers.
A good personal pitch opens doors to the future
Knowing how to present yourself clearly and strategically is a competitive edge for landing a job, growing in your career, and seizing opportunities in international programs. In IBS Americas courses, we encourage our students to develop this skill as part of their preparation for the challenges of the global market.
An international experience is the ideal opportunity to strengthen your skills and boost your career. Explore our programs.