Conversation Starters and Networking Pro-Tips
Do you feel awkward making small talk? Never know how to start a conversation? Petrified of those awkward silences? You’re not alone- keep some of these go-to conversation starters in your back pocket for the next networking opportunity you find yourself in so you feel confident and comfortable navigating any situation! Networking takes time because it's all about relationship building. Start networking NOW, and EARLY in your Lambda School journey so that you can establish relationships that may help you for your job search.
Need help finding events to network in your area? Here are some websites that might help:
4 Resources for Finding Great Networking Events
Whether it's a social or networking event, here are some conversation points to help you navigate interactions.
Conversation starters:
- “Hi, I’m _____. Nice to meet you!”
- “How did you hear about this event?” OR, if at a social situation, “How do you know (host/mutual connection’s name)?”
- “Have you been to events here at (the company/venue name) before?”
- “What made you decide to attend this event?”
- If you’re at the food table: “Have you tried the (food item)? It’s delicious!”
- “Do you currently work in (field/topic the event is on)?”
- “What do you do for work?”
Conversation continuers:
- “How did you get into (field)?”
- “What do you like about your work as a (title)?”
- “What is the most challenging thing about (field)?”
- “What do you do for fun outside of work?”
If you need to escape:
Exit strategy: stuck in a conversation that you’re desperate to leave? Use the food table, restroom, or “catching up with that person over there” as an excuse to graciously leave the conversation. You can say:
- “If you’ll excuse me, I’m going to go to the restroom.”
- “I'm hungry, and haven't had chance to grab food yet, so I'm going to eat. It was a pleasure meeting you!”
- “I’m going to go grab some cheese and crackers before they run out- it was great talking to you!”
Take it to the next level:
- “I’m really interested in learning more about (company/title). I’m an aspiring (title) and would love the chance to talk more over coffee or tea. Would you be willing to meet up in the next couple of weeks?” OR "Would you be willing to schedule a call/Zoom with me in the next few weeks?"
- “Do you have any advice for someone starting out as a (title) in (field)?”
- “I’d love to stay in touch- I will connect with you on LinkedIn!” Note: You can take your phone out here and add them so you don’t forget their name later!
Pro-tips:
- Ask open-ended questions; they promote conversation better than yes/no questions, and invite the other person to ask you the questions back. They also make the other person feel like a priority in your conversation, which is a key way to lead others to think of you as a great conversationalist.
- If you’re going to an event and a guest list is shared ahead of time, research people attending! Find the ones whose experience seems most interesting/relevant to you, and make it a point to talk to them at the event.
- Take a few minutes to send follow-up LinkedIn or email messages to everyone you meet at the event; do this within 24-48 hours of the event so you stay top of mind for everyone you meet.
- Ask for a business card, or connect with them on the spot on LinkedIn so you don’t forget their name later. If possible, jot down notes about each person after you chat so you remember what you talked about later!
- Ask for help, but not right away; wait until you establish rapport in the conversation, and then follow up with an ask to get coffee, connect on LinkedIn, advice for the field, etc. This will help you not come on too strong!
