What Do You Do? How to Answer with Confidence and Impact
Elevate Your Introduction: The Power of a Strong Elevator Pitch
You’re at a gathering, sipping your drink, when someone turns to you and asks, “So, what do you do?”
Cue the internal scramble. Do you go with the short, vague response? Do you launch into a long-winded explanation that makes their eyes glaze over? Or do you confidently deliver a clear, engaging answer that leaves them genuinely interested?
This is why having a strong elevator pitch matters.
Why Your Answer to “What Do You Do?” Is So Important
This question isn’t just small talk—it’s an opportunity. The way you answer can:
✨ Make you memorable – A clear and engaging response sticks in people’s minds.
✨ Open doors – You never know who you’re talking to or who they know.
✨ Clarify your purpose – When you articulate what you do with confidence, it reinforces your own sense of purpose.
✨ Lead to deeper conversations – The right answer sparks curiosity and connection.
How to Answer “What Do You Do?” in 30 Seconds
Instead of just stating your job title, structure your response like this:
1. Start with a Hook (5 seconds)
Instead of saying, “I’m a software developer,” start with something that piques interest.
💬 “I turn complex problems into simple, seamless solutions.”
This sparks curiosity and invites further questions.
2. Explain What You Do in Simple Terms (10 seconds)
Describe your work without tech jargon.
💬 “I design and build software that helps businesses run smoother and people’s lives easier—whether it’s a mobile app, a website, or an automation tool.”
This makes it clear and engaging, even for non-tech people.
3. Show the Impact (10 seconds)
Show how your work makes a difference.
💬 “It’s amazing to see an idea turn into something real that saves people time or makes their day just a little better.”
This helps the listener connect emotionally to your work.
4. End with a Natural Invitation (5 seconds)
Keep the conversation going.
💬 “I love building things that make life easier! What about you—what kind of challenges do you love solving?”
This keeps the exchange casual and engaging rather than feeling like a pitch.
How to Make Your Answer Feel Natural
✔ Practice, but don’t sound rehearsed – You want to be comfortable, not robotic.
✔ Tailor it to your audience – If you’re talking to another professional, you might tweak your wording slightly.
✔ Smile and be present – Your enthusiasm makes people listen.
✔ Keep it conversational – The goal is to spark a real discussion, not just deliver a speech.
Final Thoughts – Your Turn
The next time someone asks “What do you do?”, how will you answer?
Will you give the standard job title and hope they move on, or will you own your story and spark a real connection?
Take a moment to craft your response—one that feels true to you and excites the person hearing it. Because your work matters, and the way you talk about it should reflect that.
So, what do you do? And more importantly, how do you want people to feel when you tell them?
Until next time,
Wendy
