When asked the inevitable "And what do you do," you
may think "I'm an economist/an educator/an engineer"
is giving enough information to engender good
conversation. However, to one who is not an economist,
educator, or an engineer, you might as well be saying
"I'm a paleontologist/psychoanalyst/pornographer."
Flesh it out. Throw out some delicious facts about
your job for new acquaintances to munch on.
Otherwise, they'll soon excuse themselves, preferring
the snacks back at the cheese tray.pany actually discharged a woman for taking extra maternity leave
that was a medical necessity." A mother can relate to that.
Talking with a business owner? Say "I'm an attorney. Our firm
specializes in employment law. My current case concerns an
employer who is being sued by one of her staff for asking personal
questions during the initial job interview." A business owner can
relate to that.
Painful Memories of Naked Job Flashers
I still harbor painful recollections of being tongue-tied when confronted by naked job flashers. Like the time a fellow at a dinner
party told me, "I'm a nuclear scientist." My weak "Oh, that must
be fascinating" reduced me to a mental molecule in his eyes.
The chap on my other side announced, "I'm in industrial abrasives," and then paused, waiting for me to be impressed. My "Well,
er, golly, you must have to be a shrewd judge of character to be in
How to Come Out a Winner Every Time They Ask, "And What Do You Do?" 69
Technique #16
Never the Naked Job
When asked the inevitable "And what do you do," you
may think "I'm an economist/an educator/an engineer"
is giving enough information to engender good
conversation. However, to one who is not an economist,
educator, or an engineer, you might as well be saying
"I'm a paleontologist/psychoanalyst/pornographer."
Flesh it out. Throw out some delicious facts about
your job for new acquaintances to munch on.
Otherwise, they'll soon excuse themselves, preferring
the snacks back at the cheese tray.
02 (043-92B) part two 8/14/03 9:17 AM Page 69
industrial abrasives" didn't fly either. We three sat in silence the
rest of the meal.
Just last month a new acquaintance bragged, "I'm planning to
teach Tibetan Buddhism at Truckee Meadows Community College," and then clammed up. I knew less about Truckee Meadows
than I did about Tibetan Buddhism. Whenever people ask you what you do, give them some mouth-to-ear resuscitation so they
can catch their breath and say something.