What to Say After 'So, What Do You Do?'
Here's how to answer the most common networking question, and what to say next so it doesn't stall.
Why 'What Do You Do?' Conversations Stall
You say your job title. They nod. They say theirs. You nod.
Job titles are facts, and facts don't give the other person anything to grab onto.
The fix is to answer with a little more, and ask back with a little more.
How to Answer 'What Do You Do?' in One Line
Use this shape: I help [who] [do what], [one small detail].
Instead of 'I'm an accountant', say:
I help restaurant owners figure out which dishes actually make money.
Instead of 'I'm in HR', say:
I help new hires feel at home in their first 90 days. This month that's 40 people.
Instead of 'I'm a student', say:
I'm studying nursing. I just finished my first hospital placement.
The detail is the hook. It gives them something to ask about.
Ask Something Back Right After Your Answer
Don't wait for them to ask. Hand the conversation back.
How about you? What brought you here tonight?
Now you're having a conversation, not trading business cards.
15 Follow-Up Questions After 'What Do You Do?'
Follow-Up Questions About Their Work
How did you get into that?
What's the best part of your week?
What's something people get wrong about your job?
What are you working on that you're excited about?
What's changed most in your field in the last few years?
Follow-Up Questions About the Person
What did you want to be when you were a kid?
What keeps you busy outside of work?
Have you always lived here?
What's the best thing that happened to you this month?
What are you looking forward to this year?
Follow-Up Questions About the Event
What brought you here tonight?
Who are you hoping to meet?
Have you been to this event before?
What did you think of the speaker?
Who's the most interesting person you've met so far?
Better Questions to Ask Instead of 'What Do You Do?'
You can skip the job question altogether.
What's keeping you busy these days?
What's something you're working on that you're proud of?
What's the most useful thing you learned this week?
These let people talk about work if they want to, or about anything else.
That matters for people between jobs, students, and anyone who doesn't love their title.
How to Answer 'What Do You Do?' When You're Between Jobs
Talk about where you're going, not what you're missing.
Try something like:
I'm looking for my next role in product. Most recently I led onboarding at a fintech, and I loved it.
It's honest and confident, and it tells people how they could help.
Find Common Ground After 'What Do You Do?'
Listen for anything you share: a city, a school, a hobby, a problem.
Then say it out loud:
No way, I grew up there too!
Common ground is what people remember after the event.
Let a Networking Game Ask the First Question
Some events skip 'What do you do?' entirely.
With Jam Bingo, each guest gets a prompt like 'Ask someone about the best advice they got in their first job.' The first question is already more interesting than a job title.
Guests skip the small talk and get to the good part of the conversation.
Quick Guide: What to Say After 'So, What Do You Do?'
- Answer with who you help and one detail
- Ask something back right away
- Follow up with a 'how' or 'why' question
- Listen for common ground
- Swap contacts before you move on
Hosting an event? See how a conversation prompt game gets guests past small talk.
Frequently Asked Questions
What should I say after someone asks what I do?
Give a one-line answer about who you help and how, add one small story or detail, then ask them a question back so the conversation keeps going.
What can I ask instead of 'What do you do?'
Try 'What are you working on that you're excited about?', 'What brought you here tonight?', or 'What's keeping you busy these days?' They invite a story, not a job title.
How do I answer 'What do you do?' if I'm between jobs?
Talk about what you're looking for and what you're good at: 'I'm between roles, looking for my next product job. Most recently I led onboarding at a fintech.'
How do I keep a networking conversation going after small talk?
Ask a 'why' or 'how' question about their answer, share a short related story of your own, and look for one thing you have in common.