[_delirium]

For this among other reasons, I tend not to use "what do you do?" as an opening query (though that doesn't help you if someone else does). I prefer something more like, "what kinds of things are you interested in?" For some people it's the same, but I've met plenty of people with boring day jobs and interesting projects, so if I don't already know the person I'd rather let them decide what they find interesting to tell me about themselves.

[arn]

I always liked the question "what's your secret dream job?" as a get to know icebreaker. cause (almost) everyone has one, and most people aren't doing it as their day job.