BE 340: What Do You Do? 3 Ways to Describe Your Job
Business English from All Ears English
Deep Dive
Why is it important to describe your job differently depending on who you're talking to?
It helps build connections, enhances networking, and ensures that people understand what you do, especially those outside your industry who may not be familiar with technical jargon.
What are some examples of how people might misunderstand what someone does in their job?
A common example is when a spouse doesn't fully understand what their partner does because the partner uses too much technical language, assuming everyone knows the details of their industry.
How can using jargon affect conversations about your job?
Using jargon can make people lose interest or fail to understand, leading to awkward moments where the listener's mind wanders, such as thinking about dinner plans instead of focusing on the conversation.
What is the main goal when describing your job to someone outside your industry?
The goal is to relate to the person and help them understand what you do without overwhelming them with technical terms, ensuring they feel connected and informed.
How does the language used to describe a job differ when speaking to a teenager versus a colleague in the same industry?
When speaking to a teenager, the language is simplified with basic verbs and common terms like 'social media' and 'contest promotions.' In contrast, speaking to a colleague involves using industry-specific jargon like 'cross-functionally,' 'market research,' and 'SEO.'
What is the importance of using lists when describing your job to someone unfamiliar with your industry?
Using lists helps break down complex information into digestible parts, making it easier for the listener to follow and understand, especially when explaining tasks or strategies.
How does the phrase 'cross-functionally' help in describing a job to a colleague in the same industry?
The term 'cross-functionally' is crucial for explaining how you collaborate with different teams, such as the creative or development team, which is a common practice in many industries and often required in job interviews.
What is the key difference in describing your job to an adult friend versus a teenager?
When speaking to an adult friend, the language is more advanced but still relatable, using terms like 'social media strategizing' and 'consumer trends.' In contrast, speaking to a teenager involves simplifying the language and focusing on easily understood concepts.
Why is it important to ask 'Have you heard of it?' when describing your job to someone unfamiliar with your industry?
Asking 'Have you heard of it?' engages the listener and allows for a more interactive conversation, helping to gauge their familiarity with your company or industry before diving into details.
What is the benefit of describing your typical day when explaining your job to an adult friend?
Describing your typical day helps make your job more relatable and understandable, especially for someone outside your industry, by giving a clear picture of what you do on a daily basis.
- Importance of adapting job descriptions to different audiences.
- Avoiding jargon and technicalities to build connections.
- Tailoring explanations to different levels of understanding.
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