7 Perfect Questions to Ask While Networking

7 Perfect Questions to Ask While Networking7 Perfect Questions to Ask While Networking Odds are, you already know how important networking is. You might have leveraged your network to land a job, procure a new client or even switch careers entirely - or at the very least, you probably know someone who has. But despite the endless benefits of networking, many people still dread the experience.Often, this is because they simply dont know what to say. After all, approaching a stranger you know elendhing about can be pretty intimidating - what in the world do you talk about?Well, the next time you find yourself wondering this at an industry mixer, dont 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.This light-touch question is a great way to begin a conversation, explains Michelle Tillis Lederman, author of The Connectors Advantage 7 Mindsets to Grow Your Influence and Impact .This question shows you are interested in the other partie 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 on the front of their mind. That will lead you to extend the conversation and figure out how you can add value to them, Tillis Lederman explains. They will also likely ask you the question in return and give you an opening to share what your current objectives are.Once you know a little bit more about somebodys professional background, ask them how they got their start. It can provide valuable takeaways for you, as well as make you seem more likable.Finding out more about their journey leading up to their current role can offer an excellent insight into what you might need to do in order to work in that industry, role or company, says Lars Herrem, Group Executive Director at recruiting agency Nigel Wright Group . Demonstrating your interest and enthusiasm is key to creating a lasting impression and making yourself memorable, something which will prove extremely beneficial if you end up reaching out to this person in the future.Asking about a specific, timely event in the industry - whether its proposed legislation, a merger, a recent news story, etc. - is a great way to show the person youre speaking with that you are knowledgeable and thoughtful, both of which are key to being memorable, says career coach Eli Howayeck of Crafted Career Concepts .First impressions matter. The best thing you can do, besides being a nice person, is to demonstrate how you think and what you know about the marketplace, Howayeck explains. This helps direct the conversation and informs your conversation partner that you likely know what youre talking about or, at a minimum, pay attention to what is going on in the world and are not only focused on yourself and your advancement .The ultimate objective 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 doesnt mean you cant approach the topic at all - you just 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? says career coach Madelyn Mackie . 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 arent able to help you out directly, though, you will likely gain some valuable insight that will help you in your job search process .This is a great question to ask if youre speaking with somebody who is more senior than you are . It allows them to impart the knowledge theyve acquired 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 very valuable, Howayeck says. Seeking to learn from others honors them and shows that youre invested in growth. It also shows deference and can endear the person to you and deepen the connection.At its heart, networking is all about forming connections with others, so dont be afraid to veer towards lighthearted chitchat. Questions like this one help people open up, and make it clear that you dont 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 theyre passionate about , Howayeck explains. It also shows that you are actually interested in them as a person, and not just what they do and how it could help you.Who knows? You may even bond over a shared interest or activityAsk this question, and youre guaranteed to avoid one of the biggest mistakes that novice networkers make, according to career coach Nikki Bruno Beginning networkers often make the mistake of giving away a stack of business cards but gatherin g none. The only way to ensure that youll be able to follow up with new contacts is to get their information it keeps you in the drivers seat.Note that this question is intentionally different from May I have your card? Bruno adds. Asking to stay in touch or to follow someone shows that you view him/her as a human being, not as a mere contact.