We all know that first impressions count. In fact, research suggests that people form opinions about others within just a few seconds of meeting them. That means when you’re in a job search situation—whether at a networking event, an interview, or even a casual conversation—how you introduce yourself can make a huge difference in how you’re perceived and whether opportunities will open up for you.
One of the most common questions you’ll encounter in these situations is, “What do you do?” It may sound simple, but it’s a crucial moment in your interaction. Your answer is your chance to shape the other person’s perception of you, build curiosity, and leave a lasting impression. Yet many people fumble this moment, offering vague, uninspired answers like, “I’m in marketing,” or “I’m an engineer.” Those kinds of responses might be accurate, but they won’t make you stand out or prompt someone to say, “Tell me more.”
That’s why it’s so important to prepare a clear, compelling introduction ahead of time. Don’t wait until you’re in the moment to figure it out. Sit down, take a few minutes, and actually write out what you want to say. This process will help you clarify your thoughts and feel more confident. Think of it as your personal “elevator pitch”—a brief, memorable way of describing who you are and what you do, in about 30 seconds. That length is ideal because it’s long enough to provide some substance but short enough to hold someone’s attention without overwhelming them.
As you write, focus on using positive, engaging words. Choose language that conveys your enthusiasm, skills, and unique strengths. Avoid jargon or industry-specific terms that might confuse someone outside your field. Instead, make it accessible, even to someone who doesn’t know your industry well. Remember, the goal is not just to inform but to intrigue—to make the listener want to learn more about you.
One of the best ways to make your introduction memorable is to include an interesting fact, a “hook,” or a story that sparks curiosity. For example, instead of saying, “I’m in marketing,” you might say, “I help companies tell their story in a way that connects with their audience, and I recently helped a small business double its customer base in six months.” That extra detail is what makes you stand out. It gives the listener a reason to remember you and might prompt them to ask, “Wow, how did you do that?”—which can open the door to a deeper conversation.
Also, pay attention to how you say it, not just what you say. Your tone of voice, facial expressions, and body language all contribute to how you’re perceived. Speak with confidence, smile, and maintain eye contact. Even if you’re nervous, practice until you can deliver your introduction smoothly and with energy. The way you present yourself can be just as important—if not more important—than the actual words you use.
Let’s look at a few examples to illustrate how this works in practice:
Example 1 – The Job-Seeking Marketing Professional:
“I’m a marketing specialist with a passion for helping small businesses grow. I specialize in creating digital campaigns that drive results—just last year, I helped a startup increase their web traffic by 75%. I love working with creative teams to turn ideas into strategies that make a real difference.”
This is clear, positive, and includes a specific accomplishment (the 75% traffic increase) that acts as a hook.
Example 2 – The Data Analyst:
“I’m a data analyst who loves uncovering insights that help companies make better decisions. I’ve worked across industries, from healthcare to finance, and I recently developed a dashboard that saved a client over £50,000 in operational costs.”
Again, this is specific, engaging, and demonstrates value.
Example 3 – The Career-Changing Teacher:
“I’m a former teacher who’s wanting to move into learning and development. My experience creating engaging lessons for diverse learners has given me a unique perspective on how adults learn—and I’m keen to bring that into the corporate world to help teams grow.”
This frames a career change positively and shows how past skills translate into a new role.
After you draft your introduction, read it out loud. Does it sound natural? Would you say it the same way in a casual conversation? If not, tweak it until it feels authentic. Then, practice it until you feel comfortable. You don’t want it to sound overly rehearsed, but you do want it to flow smoothly.
It’s also helpful to tailor your introduction depending on the situation. For example, at a formal networking event, you might lean into your professional accomplishments more. In a casual conversation, you might use a more relaxed tone and emphasize your passions or interests. Be flexible, but keep the core elements consistent: who you are, what you do, and why it matters.
Finally, remember that introductions are just the start of the conversation. They’re meant to spark curiosity and engagement, not to tell your whole life story. Once you’ve delivered your 30-second pitch, be ready to listen and ask questions in return. A good conversation is a two-way street.
In summary, first impressions matter—especially in a job search. Your response to “What do you do?” is a key moment that can either open doors or close them. Take the time to prepare a thoughtful, engaging introduction. Keep it brief—about 30 seconds. Focus on positive language and include a hook that will make you stand out. And remember, how you say it—your tone, body language, and energy—is just as important as the words themselves.
By being intentional about how you introduce yourself, you’ll increase your chances of making a lasting impression and creating opportunities for meaningful connections in your job search. So go ahead—grab a notebook, write out your introduction, and start practising today! You’ll be amazed at how much more confident and prepared you’ll feel the next time someone asks, “What do you do?”