20 Powerful Networking Questions To Ask When The Conversation Is Stuck

We have all heard how important networking is for career success.

But the truth is it doesn’t come naturally to everyone. I admire people who can make a conversation out of nothing and with everyone.

But I’m not one of these people. When I started my career and attended networking events or just bumped into a senior leader or a new colleague in the elevator, the conversation usually ended in awkward silence.

So throughout the years, I’ve been taking notes of good networking questions I’ve been asked, read in business books or came up with myself. And I’ve used these exact questions to better connect with people who have been crucial for both my corporate career and business success.

These are networking questions beyond the usual and robotic What do you do and How long have you been doing it. But rather questions that lead to an engaging and insightful conversation for both sides.

Plus, you can use the insights from the conversations to write a good personal development plan.

So if you want to boost your career success by nurturing a professional network, here are 20 powerful networking questions to use.

But before we dive into the questions, I wanted to also give you the formula about…

What makes a good networking question?

• It is open-ended. Closed-ended questions are good for confirming that you’ve understood something correctly. But do not lead to an engaging discussion.
• It isn’t too specific or too broad. For example “What do you see as the coming challenges in HR in the next 5 years” is better than both “How is HR likely to change in the future” and “How will AI change payroll in the next 5 years”. Ask a too specific question and you risk the other person not knowing about this topic. Ask a broad question and you’ll get a generic answer.
• It requires the other person to stop and think rather than give you an automated, prescripted answer. This is why is better than “What do you do?”
• You are genuinely interested in hearing the answer. A lack of active listening from your side will send the conversation downhill.
• It gives you an insight into the other person but also gives your conversation partner some food for thought.

20 Networking Questions To Ask

1. What’s been on your mind this week?
2. What makes you most excited these days?
3. Have you had any amazing vacations recently?
4. What motivated you to get into [ADD FIELD]?
5. What do you see as the coming challenges and opportunities in [ADD FIELD]? 
6. Is this the first time you’re attending this event? If the answer is No, ask them how it compares to their past experience. If the answer is Yes, ask what they expect to get out of it.
7. What/who has been the biggest influence in your career?
8. What interesting podcasts have you listened to lately?
9. What does your typical work day look like?
10. What is your most valuable skill?
11. What makes your organization stand out amongst the competition?
12. What would you have done differently in your career if you could go back?
13. What positive habits have you adopted for success?
14. What is a recent achievement which made you proud?
15. If you had a magic wand, what is 1 thing you would change right now?
16. What is your current professional goal?
17. How can I help you meet your goals?
18. What do you enjoy most/least about what you do?
19. What is the single most important action which has changed your career?
20. What skills have helped you overcome work challenges in the past?
21. Bonus question: Who do you think should I also speak to at this event?

Are you ready for your next engaging networking conversation? Download these in a ready-to-print pocket-size format to take to your next networking event or work social.

Looking for more ways to boost your career? Stop making these career mistakes and you will see instant career growth!