Your elevator speech should be brief. Restrict the speech to 30 to 60 seconds — that is the time it takes to ride an elevator. You do not need to include your entire work history and career goals.

You need to be persuasive – even though it is a short pitch, your elevator speech should be persuasive enough to grab the listener’s interest in your idea, organization, or background.

Share your skills – your elevator pitch should explain who you are and what qualifications and skills you have. Try to focus on assets that add value in many situations. This is your chance to brag a bit — avoid sounding boastful but do share what you bring to the table.

Practice, practice, practice – the best way to get comfortable with an elevator speech is to practice it until the speed and “pitch” come naturally, without sounding robotic. You will become comfortable adjusting the conversation as you practice with it. Try saying your speech to a friend or record it. This will help you know if you are staying within the time limit and giving a clear message.

Be flexible – you are not interviewing for a specific position, so you want to appear open-minded and flexible. It is your chance to make a great first impression with a potential employer.

Mention your goals – you do not need to get too specific. An overly targeted goal is not helpful, since your pitch will be used in many circumstances, and with many different types of people. But do remember to say what you are looking for. For instance, you might say, “a role in accounting” or “an opportunity to apply my sales skills to a new market” or “to relocate to Cape Town with a job in this same industry.”

Know your audience and speak to them – in some cases, using jargon can be a powerful move — it shows your industry knowledge. Be wary of using jargon during an elevator pitch, particularly if you are speaking to recruiters, who may find the terms unfamiliar and off-putting.

Have a business card ready – If you have a business card, offer it at the end of the conversation to continue the conversation. A copy of your resume, if you are at a job expo or professional networking event, will also show your enthusiasm and preparedness.