Carnegie Mellon University Career & Professional Development Center · “Elevator pitch” quick tips
“For the “tell me about yourself” interview question, your introduction will need to be 1-2 minutes long.”
cmu.edu (opens in a new tab)Answer five quick prompts and get your own 60–90 second answer: Now, Proof, Next. With versions for no experience and career changers. Then practice it out loud.
Right now I’m [your role and where], and I’m the person they call when [what people call you for].
Recently, [what you did], and [what changed]. I also [what you did]: [what changed].
What I want next is a role as [job title]. Your posting mentions [what the posting asks for], and that’s exactly what I’ve been doing. So that’s what brings me here today.
Fill in the prompts to see your time.
It’s the formula from FILE 003, filled in with your own words: Now (who you are at work), Proof (two examples that match the job), Next (why this job). No AI: your prompts go into plain sentence templates, so the answer only says what you typed.
Nothing is saved unless you ask us to email it, and your answer never goes in the link (only the situation you picked does). A recording made in practice mode stays on your device.
“For the “tell me about yourself” interview question, your introduction will need to be 1-2 minutes long.”
cmu.edu (opens in a new tab)“Prepare 1-2 sentences about your work background. Present yourself positively, and express enthusiasm and genuine interest in the job.” / “Feeling anxious during job interviews is common, but being well prepared can greatly improve your performance.” / “Many American Job Centers offer interview prep classes and mock interviews.”
careeronestop.org (opens in a new tab)“Aim to answer this question in two minutes maximum”
eller.arizona.edu (opens in a new tab)