How to answer "What do you do"?

The question, “What do you do?” is a simple question that seems complex at times. It’s a condensed question you ask when you want to know someone.

People can classify us into certain categories, and the one-word response to “what do you do?” provides them with a summary of either what we do or who we are.

However, this question will continue to come up at social gatherings of all kinds, including those with family.

Therefore, you need to find a way to explain your profession so that it provides for a refreshing conversation starter, rather than a fast track to the pigeon-hole it could put you in.

Table of Contents

What is a profession?

The term “profession” refers to a paid occupation, particularly one that requires a significant amount of time and effort. An occupation that a person is drawn to or is well-suited for is known as a “vocation.”

However, a profession is an occupation that necessitates specific training and experience in order to be successful. Lawyers, surgeons, engineers, and professors are only some examples of professions.

What is a job?

A job is something you do for money, whereas a career is something you work on every day and aim for.

Employment is excellent for your mental health since it allows you to meet new people, improves your self-esteem, and provides you with a feeling of direction and purpose in life.

When you think about making a contribution to something greater than yourself, it might make you feel fulfilled and happy with your life.

How to answer “What do you do”?

1st Instance: Don’t confess that you are an expert in Content Creation.

Say: “I’m a Content Creator. I assist brands in developing good content. I just finished a massive project and helped a customer get recognized by a Fortune 500 firm; as a result, they are currently exploring a new partnership.

Do you wish to portray a favorable image of yourself? Make an effort to connect what you accomplish with a victory you’ve had in the recent past.

On the other hand, you do not want anyone to define you based on your career because that is not reflective of who you are, and you would hate for people to think that it was.

Let’s look at some different approaches you might take to rethink your responses.

1. Share with Others how You Assist Others:

You could, for example, be a copywriter. Alternately, you might be someone who works with businesses to develop engaging narratives for their brands.

You might choose to begin your next response with the phrase “I help others…” and see where the conversation goes from there.

2. Recount an Interesting Story Relating to Your Work:

Every narrative has the power to captivate. It enables us to form new connections. You should instantly transition into a tale about something enjoyable or motivating that happened to you at work.

3. Use the Occasion to Teach Others:

Consider your response in this context: You provide the other person with information about you that they did not previously know.

Therefore, rather than simply stating your title, you should describe something about your work or the business that the other person may not be familiar with. More so;

Discuss the gap in the market that your offering is attempting to address.
Help them understand the most recent development in the field in which you work.
Explain the fascinating fact that you’ve discovered in recent memory.

4. Be Vulnerable:

Don’t be scared to get personal and discuss your experiences during your journey.

How did you get to the place you are in now?
What do you hope to accomplish in the next stage of your professional life? Every interaction contributes to the formation of relationships.

If you want things to be successful, you have to pull back the curtain for people, even if it’s only a little bit, so they can understand where you’re coming from.

5. Be Relevant:

Even when it is about you, it is not the only thing that matters. Share with the individual you’re having this conversation the information about yourself and your profession pertinent to the conversation.

6. Let Your Freak Flag Fly:

Find something about what you do that genuinely excites you, and make that the primary focus of your attention.

People are drawn to you like a magnet when you exhibit a high interest in a certain topic. Moreover, people have a strong desire to be in that vicinity.

7. Engage in your self-publicity:

The concept of self-promotion requires a complete rebranding.

We need more people who are comfortable communicating openly about the value they bring to the customers and organizations they are affiliated with.

Wouldn’t the world be a better place if everyone just stopped hiding their true abilities and admitted them publicly? If more people did the things they love, the world would be better.

Additional tips on answering, “What do you do?”

It’s possible that “What do you do?” will always be synonymous with “Who are you?” but if you answer with one of these alternative questions, you have a say in who the person you’re speaking with imagines you to be.

There are a few different ways to respond to the question “What do you do?”

Talk about your career and what you do day to day;
Discuss your job and the aspects about it that you appreciate the most;
Discuss your interests and the reasons you find fulfillment in your work;
If you don’t like your job, mention it briefly and then talk about what you’d rather do.
Even if you’re unhappy with your job, don’t complain to others.
Focus on the more relevant aspects of your work instead of the more technical ones; most people won’t understand.
Discuss the accomplishments you’ve had at work;
Avoid talking about the uninteresting topics;
Maintain a sense of humor and make it enjoyable;
Discuss your beginnings and where you are in your life right now;

And most importantly, make sure you remember to ask the question to whoever it is that you are having the conversation with.

Conclusion:

When someone asks you, “What do you do?” they are interested in learning about your typical day and the aspects of your work that keep things interesting.

It’s considered a small chat, but its real purpose is to allow people to learn a little bit more about one another.

Awesome one; I hope this article answered your question.

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