How to Answer “What Do You Do?” Without Panicking
That tiny question can trigger big dread—especially if you’re studying, switching, freelancing, or still figuring it out. Use these short, flexible scripts to answer calmly and confidently.
The 10-Second Formula
Role • Audience • Result • Proof
“I’m a [role] who helps [audience] [result]. Recently, I [proof].”
Scripts by Situation
- Student: “I’m a psychology student focusing on behavior research—recently co-led a campus survey on study habits.”
- Job switcher: “I’m moving from sales to UX—right now I’m building case studies and testing prototypes with five users a week.”
- Freelancer: “I’m a freelance writer; I turn founders’ talks into long-form articles—latest piece boosted newsletter signups 18%.”
- Multi-hyphenate: “I run a mix of content and community projects; the through-line is helping creators grow with less burnout.”
When You’re Unsure (But Curious)
“I’m exploring roles in climate analytics; I’m taking two courses and volunteering on a local data project.”
Follow-Up Lines to Keep Conversation Flowing
- “What kind of projects are you excited about lately?”
- “How did you get into your field?”
- “Any advice for someone pivoting toward ___?”
Body & Voice Tips
- Speak slower than you think; micro-pause after your role.
- Anchor feet, drop shoulders, breathe out as you start.
- Smile with your eyes; it softens your voice naturally.
Final Thoughts
Your answer doesn’t have to be perfect; it has to be clear. Lead with value, add one proof, and end with curiosity. Identity can be in-progress and still sound confident.
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