When a person ask you what type of work you do, what do you suppose to say?

Question

I work for the legal system, or my job title how do you suppose to answer that question

Answer 1

With me, it depends on the person who is asking, how they ask, and what my perception of their reason for asking is.

Sometimes this question is just a genuine conversation-starter. In that case, I'll usually just tell the person asking what I do, and ask them in return, and let the conversation go where it might.

If the person asking me seems to have an agenda-- as if to determine whether I'm worth talking to (i.e., have high enough status for them to converse with me), I do something like smile and say "What's your 'need to know'?" (I work in a high-tech defense contractor where a lot of people have security clearances.) Or if I'm feeling ornery and really believe they are a climber, I just say "Oh, you only want to talk to the people who matter. They're over that way," smirk at them, and I'll point them to the management types. This usually makes them anxious, because they don't like being seen through.
;-))

If I'm unsure of the person's reason for asking me what I do, I will politely ask them why they want to know that. I'll evaluate the answer I receive and respond accordingly.

In most cases, a polite job title and brief description of what you do is all that is necessary, and mostly people ask just to facilitate conversation.

Answer 2

I think either response would be o.k. If you say that you work for the legal system, you may be asked some follow-up questions. As long as you feel comfortable, you can continue answering the questions.
If you don't, say so. People usually ask out of curiosity and politeness.

Answer 3

Be really frank and tell them what you do for a living. Why should you be concerned about saying anything else? Usually that person is looking for a topic of conversation to speak with you. If you say alot, then you are giving them information on which they can grow the conversation. If you say very little, it will be difficult to grow the conversation.

My mom would say, "I'm a homemaker."
My dad would say, "I own a printing business."
I tell people, "I used to be a crime scene detective and now I'm an IT Project Manager for Dell.".

...and if it's really secret, you can say what Don Adams used to say in "Get Smart", "I'm a greeting card salesman.". d:)

Answer 4

Well if your an attorney just say that. If your a Legal Assistant say that. Court reporter... etc However if its a super secret like your an undercover narcotics officer for the fbi ask your supervisor...

Answer 5

If you are uncomfortable answering any question someone asks you, just give them a smile and ask, "why do you want to know?" They will be shocked (because this is the age of letting it all hang out), and will walk away and probably never speak to you again.

Answer 6

I would answer with my job title then give a quick statement describing my job. I.e 'I am a victim advocate counselor, I work with victims of assault and trauma'.

Answer 7

Just tell the truth unless you're embarrassed. It's not as though you a prostitute or a tax collector or something like that.

Answer 8

I would say your job title unless it's not self explanatory when you say it.

Answer 9

The kind that has too many hours and not enough pay

Answer 10

it depends how much detail you want to give them and who's asking!!!

if it's a nozy neighbor, give them a very vague answer...if it's a friend or family member, then give as much detail as you feel comfortable with.

If it's someone you don't know or who you don't like...tell them to mind their freakin business!!!