Technique #16 Never the Naked Job

When asked the inevitable "And what do you do," you

may think "I'm an economist/an educator/an engineer"

is giving enough information to engender good

conversation. However, to one who is not an economist,

educator, or an engineer, you might as well be saying

"I'm a paleontologist/psychoanalyst/pornographer."

Flesh it out. Throw out some delicious facts about

your job for new acquaintances to munch on.

Otherwise, they'll soon excuse themselves, preferring

the snacks back at the cheese tray.pany actually discharged a woman for taking extra maternity leave

that was a medical necessity." A mother can relate to that.

Talking with a business owner? Say "I'm an attorney. Our firm

specializes in employment law. My current case concerns an

employer who is being sued by one of her staff for asking personal

questions during the initial job interview." A business owner can

relate to that.

Painful Memories of Naked Job Flashers

I still harbor painful recollections of being tongue-tied when confronted by naked job flashers. Like the time a fellow at a dinner

party told me, "I'm a nuclear scientist." My weak "Oh, that must

be fascinating" reduced me to a mental molecule in his eyes.

The chap on my other side announced, "I'm in industrial abrasives," and then paused, waiting for me to be impressed. My "Well,

er, golly, you must have to be a shrewd judge of character to be in

How to Come Out a Winner Every Time They Ask, "And What Do You Do?" 69

Technique #16

Never the Naked Job

When asked the inevitable "And what do you do," you

may think "I'm an economist/an educator/an engineer"

is giving enough information to engender good

conversation. However, to one who is not an economist,

educator, or an engineer, you might as well be saying

"I'm a paleontologist/psychoanalyst/pornographer."

Flesh it out. Throw out some delicious facts about

your job for new acquaintances to munch on.

Otherwise, they'll soon excuse themselves, preferring

the snacks back at the cheese tray.

02 (043-92B) part two 8/14/03 9:17 AM Page 69

industrial abrasives" didn't fly either. We three sat in silence the

rest of the meal.

Just last month a new acquaintance bragged, "I'm planning to

teach Tibetan Buddhism at Truckee Meadows Community College," and then clammed up. I knew less about Truckee Meadows

than I did about Tibetan Buddhism. Whenever people ask you what you do, give them some mouth-to-ear resuscitation so they

can catch their breath and say something.