Answer "What Do You Do?" Calmly
Eighteen easy tips to answer What do you do? calmly, so a simple question becomes a friendly conversation.
Same question, new chance. Keep it light.
27 tips that really help
These ideas come from Never Eat Alone (Keith Ferrazzi), How to Talk to Anyone (Leil Lowndes), The Charisma Myth (Olivia Fox Cabane), and everyday practice. Pick one tip and try it today.
Why this question matters
People ask this to start a chat, not to test you. Your answer is a doorway, so make it easy to walk through.
Prepare it.
Answer in one clear sentence
Give a short answer first, like, I help small teams plan their projects. Then pause so they can ask more.
Say one sentence.
Add one fun detail
A small detail, such as the best part of your job, makes the chat warmer. Keep it positive and short.
Add one detail.
Skip the long history
Nobody needs your whole career in the first minute. Save the history for when they ask.
Keep it short.
Prepare two versions
Have a short one and a longer one ready. Use the longer one only when the other person is curious.
Write two versions.
Ask the question back
After your answer, say, and what about you? People love to talk about themselves.
Ask back.
Be proud, not pushy
Say what you do with calm pride. Pride shows you care, while pushiness feels like a sale.
Stay calm.
Use the answer to steer the chat
Mention something you enjoy talking about, so the conversation flows to a topic you like.
Add a doorway.
Script: general
I help small teams plan their work so they feel less stressed. Say it brightly.
Use it.
Script: between jobs
I am between jobs at the moment, and I am exploring work in design. Say it calmly.
Use it.
Script: student
I am studying business and I am curious about marketing. Say it warmly.
Use it.
Mistake: apologising for your job
Sorry, I just work in admin lowers you, so say it with pride and calm.
Drop the just.
Mistake: answering with only a title
A title ends the chat, so add what you enjoy or who you help.
Add more.
Mistake: talking for five minutes
Long answers lose people, so stop after thirty seconds and ask a question.
Stop and ask.
Troubleshoot: when you do not have a job right now
Say what you are working on or looking for, such as exploring new roles, because it invites help.
Say what you seek.
Troubleshoot: when you dislike your job
Talk about what you are learning or what you hope to do next. Keep it positive and honest.
Look forward.
Drill: write your answer today
Write your answer in two sentences and read it aloud twice before an event.
Write it.
Drill: answer it three ways
Answer for a friend, a boss and a stranger, and notice which tone suits each.
Try three ways.
Answer with value, not a title
Instead of I am a manager, say I help a team of eight do their best work. Value interests people.
Rewrite your answer.
Add a short story to the answer
A one-line story, like last week we saved a client, brings your work to life.
Add one line.
Ask a question that matches your answer
If you say you help families, ask, do you have kids? It connects the topic.
Link a question.
Keep it light in social settings
At a party, skip long details and keep it friendly. Save the details for a work chat.
Keep it light.
Example: the retired teacher
I used to teach history, now I write stories for children. The listener asked for the book list.
Write your own.
Example: the career changer
I used to work in banks, and now I help people learn money skills. It sounds fresh and clear.
Write your own.
Mistake: apologising for being new
Say what you are learning, not what you lack. Curiosity is attractive.
Show curiosity.
Troubleshoot: when you dislike your job
Talk about the part you enjoy or what you are building next. Honest and positive.
Pick the bright side.
Drill: answer the question in three lengths
Write a five-word, a fifteen-word and a thirty-word answer. Use each in the right setting.
Write all three.
Easy things to say
When you are stuck, pick one of these. They work in many networking and career moments.
“I help people with this.”
“It is a mix of this and that.”
“The fun part is this.”
“And you, what do you do?”
“The short answer is this.”
“It was great to chat.”
Your first week
One small action a day. Each day is only a little bigger than the last.
Write your answer
Add one fun detail
Practise it
Say it with a smile
Ask back
Listen
Follow up
Further reading
- Never Eat Alone (Keith Ferrazzi)
- How to Talk to Anyone (Leil Lowndes)
- The Charisma Myth (Olivia Fox Cabane)
The tips above are written in our own words and are general guidance. The books are suggestions for further reading.
More lessons in “Your Personal Introduction”
Keep going. Small steps every day make a big change.
← Previous: Smile, Slow Down and Look UpNext: Introduce Yourself at Events →
- Know Your Story in One Line
- What Makes You Worth Remembering
- Choose Words Anyone Can Understand
- The Ten-Second Introduction
- The Thirty-Second Pitch
- Start With a Hook, Not Your Job Title
- Practise Until It Sounds Like You
- Smile, Slow Down and Look Up
- Answer "What Do You Do?" Calmly
- Introduce Yourself at Events
- Introduce Yourself Online
- Update Your Pitch Every Six Months
