7 Best Ways To Answer “What Do You Do?” (With Examples)

“So, what do you do?” This timeless question can often lead to an awkward moment for many. How can you discuss your job without sounding pretentious or boring your listener?

The truth is:

There’s no one-size-fits-all answer to this question, but we’ll provide various strategies for responding effectively, along with example answers for each approach.

Key Takeaways

• Being able to articulate what you do is an excellent way to showcase your communication skills and professional value.

• Share a story or explain why you’re passionate about your work.

• Keep your answer relatable and avoid unnecessary details.

Why It’s Important to Know How to Answer “What Do You Do For a Living?”

During networking events or job interviews, your response to this question can help you market yourself to potential employers or, conversely, present you as unengaging and unsure of your role.

The way you describe your career can effectively showcase your value, communication skills, and ability to connect with others.

Showcasing enthusiasm and passion for your work indicates that you are more than just earning a paycheck.

When is “What Do You Do For a Living?” Most Commonly Asked?

• Networking Events. Here, attendees are often familiar with your job title or industry, making it a prime opportunity to elaborate on your passions and responsibilities.

• Business Functions. Whether at job fairs or conferences, you’ll encounter a mix of colleagues and industry peers. This is an ideal time to discuss your role enthusiastically, especially if you’re considering new opportunities.

• Social Events. Career discussions often arise when mingling. In these settings, sharing your job at a personal level can spark interest, especially among those contemplating a career switch.

How to Answer “What Do You Do For a Living?”

1. Share a Story About Your Job. Stories provide a unique perspective on your work and the impact it has. Use your job title as a gateway to share an inspiring or fun narrative.

2. Explain How You Help Others. Illustrating how your work benefits others can humanize your role and make your job more relatable.

3. Make It Relatable. Frame your job in a way that resonates with the listener. Think about how your experiences might connect with their interests or needs.

4. Skip the Mundane Details. Even if your work is fascinating to you, avoid overwhelming your listener with minutiae. Focus on key points that capture interest.

5. Focus on Your Passion. Discussing what excites you about your job can ignite enthusiasm in your listener too.

6. Promote Yourself. Particularly in interviews, treat this question as an opportunity to showcase your strengths and achievements, with an eye on your future goals.

7. Discuss Your Journey. Your job title doesn’t define you. Sharing your career path can provide insight into your values and motivations, fostering a deeper connection.

Example Answers to “What Do You Do For a Living?”

• Story Example Answer

  Instead of simply stating, “I’m a lawyer,” consider saying:

  “I work as a lawyer at an immigration law firm. Just last week, we successfully reunited a father with his family, preventing his deportation.”

  Why it’s a good answer: This response is much more engaging than merely stating your job title, showcasing your desire to help others.

• Helping Example Answer

  For someone who writes articles, you could say:

  “I assist people in preparing for job interviews, providing strategies for answering tough questions and negotiating salary offers.”

  Why it’s a good answer: This highlights your role in a meaningful way, making your job sound more impactful than simply stating, “I’m a writer.”

• Relatable Example Answer

  “If you’re aiming to reduce your carbon footprint by installing solar panels, I’m the person who manages the project to bring that vision to life.”

  Why it’s a good answer: This approach makes your work relevant to the listener’s interests and concerns.

• No Boring Details Example Answer

  “I create visually appealing and user-friendly websites. It’s rewarding to see how people engage with my designs.”

  Why it’s a good answer: This response is straightforward and easily understood, making it suitable for both casual and professional settings.

• Passion Example Answer

  “I’m a freelance graphic designer, focused on helping brands communicate their identity through innovative design.”

  Why it’s a good answer: Expressing enthusiasm can capture the listener’s interest, making your job sound exciting.

• Self-Promotion Example Answer

  “I’m a problem-solver who helps clients enhance their online presence through advanced SEO strategies. Recently, I improved a client’s website traffic by 80% through effective keyword optimization.”

  Why it’s a good answer: Highlighting achievements and your passion can effectively resonate with recruiters or hiring managers.

• Journey Example Answer

  “I began my career at a non-profit supporting Palestinian and Israeli youth, which led me to work on immigration reform after returning from a program in Central America.”

  Why it’s a good answer: This answer provides deeper insight into your values and experiences, encouraging follow-up questions and a more engaging conversation.

Ask the Experts

How To Answer “What Do You Do?”

Erika Overhoff
CEO Master Resume Writer

As one of the most frequently asked interview questions, there’s no standard answer. A powerful approach is to share a motivational story about your career interests, including challenges and choices that shaped your path. Keep it concise and conclude with how your background aligns with the job at hand.

What Do You Do for Work FAQ

1. How do you answer, “What do you do?” when you don’t have a job?

   You can discuss your career journey or your passions. Sharing your aspirations and how you plan to pursue them can provide a meaningful response.

2. Is it rude to ask what someone does for a living?

   No, it’s generally not rude, but be mindful of the context. If unsure, gauge the situation before asking.

3. Why do people ask, “What do you do for a living?”

   This question helps people get to know you better, especially in professional settings where it opens the door to share your career and aspirations.

4. How do you ask someone what their job is?

   You can simply ask, “What do you do for a living?” or “What do you do for work?” The question can be adjusted based on the context, especially if you’re speaking to someone who may not have a traditional job.

Final Thoughts

Even though “What do you do?” seems like a straightforward question, crafting an insightful answer can be more complex than anticipated.

It’s essential for your listener to see the value in your work and to understand your enthusiasm for your job.

If you can articulate your role in an engaging and relatable manner, you’re sure to leave a lasting impression.

Utilize these strategies the next time you encounter this question, and you’ll foster a genuine connection with an answer that is both informative and captivating.

References

1. Science of People – How to Answer “What Do You Do?” (And What to Ask Instead)

Author

Maddie Lloyd

Maddie Lloyd was a writer for the Zippia Advice blog focused on researching tips for interview, resume, and cover letter preparation. She's currently a graduate student at North Carolina State University's department of English concentrating in Film and Media Studies.