Unemployment can be a nightmare, particularly in a difficult
economy. What happens when a jobless individual attends a social gathering,
only to find himself or herself faced with the dreaded question: “What do you
do?”
Awkward!
Don’t you just hate it when that happens? Maybe it’s not so
awkward after all.
How can you transform a casual, but probably uncomfortable,
question into a personal positive? Try these 10 tips for answering such
imposing inquiries to your own advantage.
1. Don’t start with
“I’m unemployed.”
Often, social queries are not resume requests, but simple
attempts to uncover possible common interests. A party guest who asks about
your career may be quite innocently trying to start a conversation. It’s OK to mention you are jobless, but it is a good idea to include a positive statement that identifies your professional milieu. “I’m an accountant,” “I’m a manicurist” or “I’m a research biologist” is helpful information. Follow up with the fact that you are presently seeking new employment.
2. Avoid bad-mouthing
previous employers.
Lambasting of bad bosses and slashing supervisors is
inappropriate at lighthearted social festivities. Even if your old employer did
you wrong, you will gain no points by barking about it at a party. What's more, such behavior might cause others to tag you as a bad apple.
3. Describe your
target job.
If a fellow guest exhibits genuine interest, why not talk
about the career you would like to have? Discuss your plans to pursue
additional education, training or opportunities in your field of interest.
Perhaps you will gain helpful ideas or leads.
4. Outline your
expertise.
Social gatherings are not job interviews. It pays to be
brief. If you are job-hunting, or even if you are a smart manager of your
career, you will have a one- or two-sentence summary of your most employable
assets in your head all the time. You never know who might ask.
5. Tell the truth.
Lies always backfire. Even little fibs can be perilous to
careers. Why issue mistruths that may come back to bite you after a social
gathering? Honesty is simplest and best, instead of exaggerating job titles or
elaborating falsely on career downturns.
6. Avoid oversharing.
If someone asks about your profession in a social situation,
you can be truthful and direct without pouring out gory details of employment
woes. Try to keep conversations upbeat,
if possible.
7. Never whine about
joblessness.
It’s OK to complain to close confidants, although wallowing
may wear out even the best listeners. Fellow party guests, however, don’t fit
this category.
8. Look for
opportunities to network.
Why not look at social gatherings as chances to mingle with
potential colleagues and expand your circle of influence? That new acquaintance
across the picnic table or banquet booth may be able to point you in a helpful
direction for your ongoing job search.
Savvy job hunters print and carry business cards in a pocket
or purse, just in case an appropriate opportunity arises. In a pinch, you can
write down names, along with email addresses or phone numbers, after
significant social conversations.
It is considered somewhat tacky, however, to pass out
resumes at a party. Following up later is a much smarter strategy, as it allows
you an additional contact with influential individuals.
9. Turn the tables on
the inquirer.
Most people enjoy talking about themselves. Many relish
revealing their own professional achievements and backgrounds. Ask a few
open-ended questions, and you may be surprised to find folks are willing to
share experience and career connections.
10. Try to receive the
question as an opportunity, not an affront.
Who knows? A simple question at a party or picnic may become
a bridge-building opportunity, leading to a possible job.
Image/s:
Business Introduction – ClipArtHeaven
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