Imagine ... you’re at a networking event, mingling with strangers, and someone turns to you with a friendly smile and asks, "So, what do you do?" You freeze for a moment, then blurt out your job title: "I’m a teacher," or "I’m in sales." The other person nods politely, and the conversation fizzles out. Sound familiar? It doesn’t have to be this way.
Let’s face it: the question "What do you do?" pops up in almost every new social or professional interaction. Whether you're meeting someone at a networking event, a dinner party, or even in line at the coffee shop, the way you answer this question can set the tone for the conversation—and maybe even open doors to new opportunities. Yet, so many of us default to simple, flat, and uninspiring responses like "I'm a teacher," or "I'm in sales." Boring, right?
A great introduction not only makes you memorable but also invites curiosity. It’s an opportunity to show what you bring to the table in a way that’s clear, engaging, and relatable. So today, I’m going to walk you through how to craft an introduction that leaves a lasting impression. And to make it practical, I’ll give 20 examples from different industries—with both "poor examples" and "better examples."
Why Does Your Introduction Matter?
The Formula for a Memorable Introduction
Think of your introduction as a mini elevator pitch. It’s your chance to:
Showcase your unique value—what makes you stand out.
Spark meaningful conversations that go beyond surface-level small talk.
Create connections by framing your work in a way that resonates with others.
An uninspiring introduction can end the conversation before it even starts. A great one? It could lead to new clients, collaborations, or friendships. So let’s learn how to do it right.
Before I present you some examples, here’s a simple formula you can adapt to make your introduction shine:
Start with the outcome or impact of your work rather than your job title.
Frame it in a way that’s relatable or solves a problem.
Use conversational language that invites follow-up questions.
20 Examples
Dentist
Poor example: "I’m a dentist."
Better example 1: "I help people smile confidently by keeping their teeth healthy and beautiful."
Better example 2: "I make sure my patients can enjoy their favourite foods pain-free and with a great smile."
Social Media Manager
Poor example: "I’m a social media manager."
Better example 1: "I help businesses grow their online communities and turn followers into loyal customers."
Better example 2: "I tell stories on social media that help brands connect with their audiences in meaningful ways."
Tax Consultant
Poor example: "I’m a Tax Consultant."
Better example 1: "I help individuals and businesses save money by navigating the complexities of tax regulations."
Better example 2: "I make taxes less stressful by finding solutions that minimise financial burdens."
Barista
Poor example: "I’m a barista."
Better example 1: "I make people’s mornings better by crafting their perfect cup of coffee."
Better example 2: "I’m part of the reason why someone’s day starts with a smile and a great latte."
Lawyer
Poor example: "I’m a lawyer."
Better example 1: "I help people navigate complex legal challenges so they can protect what matters most."
Better example 2: "I work to resolve conflicts and provide peace of mind to my clients through expert legal advice."
Doctor
Poor example: "I’m a doctor."
Better example 1: "I help people live healthier, happier lives by diagnosing and treating their medical conditions."
Better example 2: "I make sure families can worry less about their health and focus more on enjoying life."
Freelance Writer
Poor example: "I’m a freelance writer."
Better example 1: "I create content that helps businesses connect with their audiences and tell their stories."
Better example 2: "I write words that inspire, inform, and persuade people to take action."
Personal Trainer
Poor example: "I’m a personal trainer."
Better example 1: "I help people feel stronger, healthier, and more confident in their bodies."
Better example 2: "I work with individuals to turn their fitness goals into lifelong habits."
Graphic Designer
Poor example: "I’m a graphic designer."
Better example 1: "I design visuals that help businesses stand out and communicate their message clearly."
Better example 2: "I turn ideas into eye-catching designs that leave a lasting impression."
Teacher
Poor example: "I’m a teacher."
Better example 1: "I help students discover their potential and develop skills that will shape their future."
Better example 2: "I make learning engaging and meaningful for young minds."
Software Developer
Poor example: "I’m a software developer."
Better example 1: "I create apps and systems that make people’s lives easier and more productive."
Better example 2: "I solve problems by writing code that powers the technology we use every day."
Chef
Poor example: "I’m a chef."
Better example 1: "I create delicious meals that bring people together around the table."
Better example 2: "I turn fresh ingredients into memorable dining experiences."
Photographer
Poor example: "I’m a photographer."
Better example 1: "I capture moments that people want to remember forever."
Better example 2: "I tell stories through images that evoke emotion and preserve memories."
Marketing Consultant
Poor example: "I’m a marketing consultant."
Better example 1: "I help businesses reach more customers and grow their brands through smart marketing strategies."
Better example 2: "I create campaigns that turn great ideas into measurable results."
Event Planner
Poor example: "I’m an event planner."
Better example 1: "I design unforgettable events that bring people together and create lasting memories."
Better example 2: "I take the stress out of planning so people can enjoy their special moments."
Accountant
Poor example: "I’m an accountant."
Better example 1: "I help individuals and businesses keep their finances in order and save money."
Better example 2: "I make sense of numbers so my clients can focus on what they do best."
Fitness Instructor
Poor example: "I’m a fitness instructor."
Better example 1: "I help people achieve their fitness goals while having fun along the way."
Better example 2: "I inspire others to live healthier, more active lives through fitness."
Research Scientist
Poor example: "I’m a research scientist."
Better example 1: "I study and develop solutions to challenges in [specific field]."
Better example 2: "I’m working on discoveries that could change the way we understand [specific topic]."
Real Estate Agent
Poor example: "I’m a real estate agent."
Better example 1: "I help people find their dream homes and make one of the biggest decisions of their lives."
Better example 2: "I connect buyers and sellers to turn property goals into reality."
German Translator
Poor example: "I’m a German translator."
Better example 1: "I help businesses and individuals communicate effectively with German-speaking audiences."
Better example 2: "By bridging language barriers, I make global connections easier for German and English speakers."
What If You Don’t Have a Job Right Now?
It’s important to acknowledge that not everyone is working in a traditional job or career. Some people may be unemployed, incapacitated, retired, or managing a household full-time—and that’s okay. Yet, the question "What do you do?" can sometimes feel uncomfortable or even embarrassing in these situations. If this resonates with you, here are some suggestions to navigate the conversation with confidence and authenticity:
Focus on what you’re passionate about or spending your time on:
Instead of framing yourself around a job you don’t have, talk about your current projects, hobbies, or goals. For example:
"I’m taking some time to focus on personal growth and exploring new opportunities."
"I’m currently managing our household and raising my children, which keeps me on my toes!"
"I’m dedicating my time to volunteering and giving back to my community."
Reframe the question altogether: If you’re the one starting the conversation, consider using more inclusive language, such as:
"How do you spend most of your time?"
"What keeps you busy these days?"
These questions show empathy and avoid assuming that someone’s identity is tied to their career. They also open the door to meaningful conversations, whether the person is working or not.
For those answering, remember: your worth is not tied to a job title. Highlighting what excites you or what you’re actively pursuing can be just as engaging—if not more so—than discussing a job.
Empathy is key here. If you’re the one asking the question, be mindful that not everyone’s journey is linear or traditional. Showing genuine interest in how someone spends their time, rather than focusing solely on careers, can make the interaction more comfortable and meaningful for both of you.
Final Thoughts
Your introduction is your first chance to make a memorable impression, so don’t settle for the bare minimum. With a little creativity and thought, you can craft an answer that not only explains what you do but also sparks curiosity and conversation. So, next time someone asks, “What do you do?” you’ll be ready to shine.
If you know someone who might find this helpful, don’t keep it to yourself—please share it.
You never know how much of a difference it could make in someone’s life.
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