The Perfect Elevator Pitch: Military Edition

An elevator pitch is a brief introduction designed to spark interest, professional connections, and potentially land an interview. It’s named so because it should be short enough to be delivered during a typical elevator ride, usually lasting about 30 to 60 seconds. The goal of an elevator pitch is to succinctly convey key information and make a memorable impression, leading to further discussion or action. It’s best to have one prepared for any situation, but an elevator pitch is essential if you are attending a job fair or hiring conference.

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Key Elements to Your Military-to-Civilian Elevator Pitch:

Introduction. Begin with a sentence that introduces who you are and your military background. Example: “Hi, I’m John Smith, a former Army logistics officer with over 15 years of experience managing complex supply chain operations.”

Value Proposition. Explain the key benefits or values you provide, highlighting skills and experiences gained from military service that are relevant to civilian roles. Example: “I excel in optimizing logistics processes and ensuring efficient supply chain management, skills honed through managing multi-million-dollar operations in high-pressure environments.”

Differentiation. Mention what sets you apart, focusing on unique skills or experiences that differentiate you from civilian candidates. Example: “My military background has equipped me with exceptional leadership skills, a strong work ethic, and the ability to adapt quickly to changing situations, which are crucial for maintaining operational efficiency in any industry.”

Call to Action. Conclude with a clear call to action, indicating what you want your audience to do next. Example: “I’d love to discuss how my logistics expertise and leadership skills can contribute to your company’s success. Can we schedule a time to talk more about how I can add value to your team?”

Full Example:

Hi, I’m John Smith, a former Army logistics officer with over 15 years of experience managing complex supply chain operations. I excel in optimizing logistics processes and ensuring efficient supply chain management, skills honed through managing multi-million-dollar operations in high-pressure environments. My military background has equipped me with exceptional leadership skills, a strong work ethic, and the ability to adapt quickly to changing situations, which are crucial for maintaining operational efficiency in any industry. I’d love to discuss how my logistics expertise and leadership skills can contribute to your company’s success. Can we schedule a time to talk more about how I can add value to your team?

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Tips for Crafting a Military-to-Civilian Elevator Pitch:

Translate Military Skills: Clearly explain how your military skills and experiences are relevant to the civilian job market.

Keep it Short: Aim for 30-60 seconds. Your pitch should be concise and to the point.

Be Clear and Specific: Avoid military jargon and be specific about what you do and what you offer.

Practice: Rehearse your pitch until it feels natural. Practice with friends or colleagues and ask for feedback.

Be Confident: Deliver your pitch with confidence and enthusiasm. Your passion for what you do should come through.

Tailor Your Pitch: Customize your pitch for different audiences or situations. Focus on what’s most relevant to the person you’re speaking with.

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More Great Examples

?Maintenance Manager (131 words)

My name is Roberto Alomar, a Maintenance manager with over 22 years’ experience ensuring large and complex fleets of military equipment were fully functional and readily available for the military organizations with which I was associated.? Employing total productive maintenance methods, I ensure preventative maintenance was resourced and executed on schedule, corrective maintenance was performed quickly, and quality assurance measures were in place to ensure the job was done right and done safely.? At the height of my career, I managed a program with 25 technicians and was responsible for $20 Million worth of cutting-edge military equipment.? I’m proud to say that in that role I raised total equipment availability from 74% to consistently above 95%.? I’m looking for the opportunity to deliver results like that for a company like yours.

?Note the Structure: Who I am, what I do, how I do it, who I do it for, one quantifiable accomplishment and what I am looking for.

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HR Professional (137 Words)

Hello, I am Ashlyn Paulsen, an HR professional with 12 years of experience transitioning out of the military into a civilian career. My skills include team management, HR Information systems management, personnel actions and compliance. In the past 22 months I have managed HR for an organization of 600 service members and undergone 5x compliance inspections with no major faults found. I have a bachelor’s degree in business administration and am working on an MBA with graduation in May 2025. I am also working on my aPHR certification.? I am looking for an opportunity to leverage my education and experience to continue my HR career in the civilian sector.? Most importantly I’m looking for an opportunity to work somewhere where I can grow as a professional while helping to make that company a great place to work.

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Talent Acquisition (139 words)

Hi. I’m Matthew an energetic and goal-oriented Talent Acquisition Manager with over a decade of experience and 20 years of proven organization leadership from serving in the Military. ?I have led healthcare recruitment teams up to 40 personnel in the dynamic and fast-paced environment of hiring and staffing for the Army. Recently, I led a team of 35 healthcare recruitment specialists, launching sourcing and candidate processing strategies that achieved a 15% increase in new hires in one fiscal year. Additionally, I utilized my analytical abilities to identify challenges in candidate experience and authored procedures that reduced time to fill by 15%. So, what can I do for your company? I believe my background in talent acquisition management, strategies, and ability to leverage creative sourcing approaches in fast-paced environments, would make me a great fit on your Talent Acquisition team.

US Army Maintenance (134 words)

Hi, I'm Joshua Hardy. I am a maintenance professional and Army veteran with 26 years of experience in both maintenance and logistics, overseeing more than $10 Million in military equipment. I have developed strong skills in communication, problem-solving, teamwork, and leadership, likewise I have honed my ability to create strong teams that work exceedingly well together to accomplish the tasks at hand. In addition to my career as a maintenance professional, I enjoy teaching and mentoring young professionals in maintenance and logistics. I created a maintenance program that reduced overdue preventative maintenance services on ground and medical equipment by 85%, and increased productivity by 65%. My program is now the standard within the United States Army Reserves 3rd Medical Command. I am ready and eager to see what I can do for your company.

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Operations/Logistics (132 words)

Hello, my name is John Smith, and I am an experienced operations and logistics professional with in-depth leadership experience, managing supply chain activities and systems in requirements determination and inventory control. Transitioning servicemember with 21+ years of experience as a material manager in the United States Air Force, seeking to continue a career in logistics. Thereby, he led and managed one team to achieve its goals of outfitting 2,500 personnel and rectifying a 4-year accountability discrepancy, increasing the protection posture of $26M critical infrastructure and receiving praise from the Kunsan Air Base Commander. He also led another team streamlining the installation repair cycle supply chain, resulting in the best mission-capable supply rate in the Combat Air Force F-16 Fleet, and the team received Kunsan Air Base Logistics Team of The Year honors.

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Project Manager (133 words)

I’m a Program Management Professional with 20+ years of proven experience managing cross-functional teams. Accomplished measurable results while leading teams of 30+ in a dynamic, fast-paced environment. As the deployment program manager, I increased personnel metrics from 63% to 92% ensuring mission requirements were met ahead of schedule. Able to develop innovative solutions to problems by forecasting requirements, understanding team capabilities and limitations, identifying opportunities, and motivating others by sharing a lead-from-the-front mindset. I’m a results-driven, adaptable leader committed to organizational success through effective team leadership and resource management. I understand this role?needs someone with process improvement skills, abilities to deliver excellent outcomes... Due to my strong background and achievements in successfully identifying gaps, creating efficiencies, and delivering high quality results; I am confident I'll be able to succeed in this role.

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