7 Key Questions to Ask When Networking

Table of Contents

Having Questions? Leave a comment and we will attend to it. Share this post to your friends on social media by using the share buttons below.

Key questions to ask when networking; Networking is the process of making connections and building relationships.

Asking the right questions when networking is a crucial part of networking. Networking provides you with the right and wide contacts, which can help you make informed business and career decisions.

Networking

Best Perfect Questions to Ask When Networking

Despite the endless benefits of networking, many people still dread the experience. Often, this is because they don’t know what to say. After all, approaching a stranger you know nothing about can be pretty intimidating — what in the world do you want to talk about?

Well, the next time you wonder about this in an industry mixer, don’t fret. We talked to a handful of career experts to get their recommendations on great questions to ask while networking. Use any of these questions for a quick and painless conversation starter.

1. “What Brings you here?”

This question shows you are interested in the other person and are not just trying to figure out how they can help you. Their response will give you a sense of what they are working on and what is in the front of their mind.

That will lead you to extend the conversation and figure out how you can add value to them. They will also likely ask you the question in return and give you an opening to share what your current objectives are.

2. “How did you get involved in the industry/company?”

Once you know a little more about somebody’s professional background, ask them how they got their start. It can provide valuable takeaways for you, as well as make you seem more likeable.

Finding out more about their journey leading up to their current role can offer an excellent insight into what you might need to do to work in that industry, position, or company.

Demonstrating your interest and enthusiasm is key to creating a lasting impression and making yourself memorable, which will prove extremely beneficial if you reach out to this person in the future.

3. “Since you work in the industry, how do you feel about X?”

Asking about a specific, timely event in the industry — whether it’s proposed legislation, a merger, a recent news story, etc.

is a great way to show the person you’re speaking with that you are knowledgeable and thoughtful, both of which are key to being memorable.

First impressions matter. Besides being a nice person, the best thing you can do is to show how you think and what you know about the marketplace.

This helps direct the conversation and informs your conversation partner that you likely know what you’re talking about.

Also, at a minimum, pay attention to what is going on in the world and [are] not only focused on yourself and your advancement.

4. “How would someone get their foot in the door in your company/industry?”

The ultimate aim of networking is often to get a new job, but coming out and asking somebody you just met to help you get one can be pretty off-putting. However, that doesn’t mean you can’t approach the topic at all — you have to do so delicately.

This question is a subtle way to ask about opportunities without coming right out and saying, ‘Do you know if they are hiring?

Therefore, if you are lucky, they will ask you if you are interested and then provide you with a business card to follow up with them after the event.

Even if they aren’t able to help you out directly, you will probably gain valuable insight that will help you in your job search process.

5. “Based on your journey, what do you wish someone would have told you earlier in your career?”

This is a great question to ask if you’re speaking with somebody more senior than you are. It allows them to impart the knowledge they’ve gained over the years with you, as well as appeals to their ego.

People are way more comfortable sharing their wisdom than they are sharing their contacts, and both can be precious.

Seeking to learn from others honours them and shows that you’re invested in growth. It also shows deference and can endear the person to you and deepen the connection.

6. “How do you spend your time outside of work?”

At its heart, networking is all about forming connections with others, so don’t be afraid to veer towards lighthearted chitchat. Questions like this one help people open up and clarify that you don’t expect the interaction to be purely transactional.

This kind of question lowers the stakes and also gives the other person a chance to discuss what they’re passionate about.

However, it also shows that you are interested in them as a person, and not just what they do and how it could help you. Who knows? You may even bond with a shared interest or activity!

7. “What’s the best way for me to get in touch/follow up with you?”

Ask this question, and you’re guaranteed to avoid one of the biggest mistakes that novice networkers make. Beginning networkers often make the mistake of giving away a stack of business cards but gathering none.

The only way to ensure that you’ll follow up with new contacts is to get their information; it keeps you in the driver’s seat.

Note that this question is intentionally different from ‘May I have your card? Asking to stay in touch or to follow someone shows that you view him/her as a human being, not as a mere contact.