Make a lasting first
impression!
Interview Etiquette
Elevator Pitches
March 5, 2025
What do you do when you
want to make a good first
impression on someone?
What improvements
can the interviewee
make?
How did the
interviewee improve
in this interview?
How to make a lasting first
impression…
Elevator Pitch
What is an elevator pitch?
An elevator speech is an opportunity to introduce yourself
and make an impactful first impression.
It is usually 30-60 seconds long, hence being called an
“elevator” speech!
You can give your elevator pitch when asked to introduce
yourself.
Steps to Create an Elevator Pitch
1. Who are you?
2. What makes you stand out? (experience,
passion, etc.)
3. What are your goals? How can this
opportunity help you achieve your goals?
4. Call-to-action
Your elevator pitch should be…
Clear = focus on the main points
Concise = keep it short
Compelling = be confident and “sell yourself”
Other Tips
Key Takeaways for a Strong Elevator Pitch:
1. Make it Personal – Show your passion and connection to
teaching.
2. Highlight Experience – Even small experiences (tutoring,
volunteering) can be powerful.
3. Show Alignment with the Program – Explain why this
university’s program is the right fit.
4. Be Specific & Engaging – Avoid vague or generic statements.
Example #1
"Hi, I’m Maria, and I’m passionate about language learning and
education. Growing up bilingual, I experienced firsthand how
language shapes identity and opportunity. I want to become an
English teacher who not only teaches grammar and vocabulary
but also fosters confidence in students as communicators. Your
program’s emphasis on practical teaching experience and
research-based methods really excites me. I’d love to be part of a
learning community that prepares teachers to make a real impact."
Example #2
"I want to be an English teacher, and I think it would be cool
to teach abroad. I’ve done some tutoring with international
students, and I liked it. I want to join a program that can help
me get a teaching job in another country."
Example #3
"My name is Jake, and I’ve spent the past two years tutoring high
school students in English. I love seeing the moment when a
difficult concept finally clicks for a student. That’s what inspired
me to pursue teaching as a career. I’m particularly interested in
learning how to use interactive and student-centered methods in
the classroom, which is why I’m drawn to your program. I’d love to
develop the skills to create engaging and meaningful lessons that
help students succeed."
Example #4
"I want to be an English teacher because I think language is
important. I’ve done some tutoring, and I think I could be
good at it. Your program seems like a good way to get into
teaching."
Example #5
"I like English and reading, so I think teaching could be a
good fit for me. I want to learn how to make lessons
interesting, and I think your program has good courses for
that."
Example #6
"I’m Lisa, and I’m passionate about making English learning
accessible and engaging. I’ve been studying second language
acquisition and am fascinated by how comprehensible input can
make learning more natural. I’m particularly interested in your
program because it integrates research-based methodologies with
hands-on classroom experience. I want to learn how to create
immersive lessons that help students build fluency with
confidence."
Take a few minutes to think of and
jot down the following:
1. Who are you?
It’s your turn! 2. What you currently do? What is
your passion?
3. What are your goals? How can
being a student impact your
goals?
Time to share your elevator
pitch!
