Questions to Ask Networking Call
Strategic questions to make the most of networking calls, build genuine connections, and open doors for career opportunities.
1How did you get started in your current role or industry?
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How did you get started in your current role or industry?
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Why this works
Origin stories reveal career paths and provide relatable entry points for conversation.
2What does a typical day or week look like for you?
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What does a typical day or week look like for you?
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Why this works
Concrete details about daily work help you understand the reality beyond job titles.
3What skills have been most valuable in your career?
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What skills have been most valuable in your career?
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Why this works
Identifies competencies to develop and what actually matters in their field.
4What do you wish you had known when you were at my career stage?
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What do you wish you had known when you were at my career stage?
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Why this works
Hindsight wisdom tailored to your current position—highly actionable advice.
5What trends are you seeing in our industry right now?
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What trends are you seeing in our industry right now?
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Why this works
Shows you're thinking strategically and keeps you informed about market changes.
6How did you build your professional network?
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How did you build your professional network?
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Why this works
Meta-networking question that reveals effective relationship-building strategies.
7What's the most challenging aspect of your role?
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What's the most challenging aspect of your role?
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Why this works
Honest difficulties give realistic expectations and show you value authenticity.
8What excites you most about your work right now?
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What excites you most about your work right now?
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Why this works
Passion and enthusiasm reveal what drives them and industry opportunities.
9How do you stay current in your field?
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How do you stay current in your field?
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Why this works
Uncovers resources, publications, conferences, or practices worth following.
10What advice would you give someone trying to break into this field?
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What advice would you give someone trying to break into this field?
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Why this works
Direct guidance specific to your goals and their expertise.
11Are there any books, podcasts, or resources you'd recommend?
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Are there any books, podcasts, or resources you'd recommend?
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Why this works
Concrete next steps for learning and shows you'll act on their advice.
12What's something you're currently learning or working to improve?
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What's something you're currently learning or working to improve?
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Why this works
Humanizes them and shows even successful people continue growing.
13How did you navigate a major career transition?
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How did you navigate a major career transition?
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Why this works
Learns from their experience with changes similar to what you're considering.
14What's your approach to work-life balance?
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What's your approach to work-life balance?
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Why this works
Important for understanding sustainable career practices in their field.
15Who else do you think I should connect with?
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Who else do you think I should connect with?
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Why this works
Expands network through warm introductions—most valuable outcome of networking.
16What do you look for when hiring or mentoring someone?
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What do you look for when hiring or mentoring someone?
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Why this works
Reveals what qualities and experiences they value in emerging professionals.
17How has your career path differed from what you initially planned?
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How has your career path differed from what you initially planned?
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Why this works
Shows that nonlinear paths are normal and opportunities emerge unexpectedly.
18What's the best career advice you've ever received?
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What's the best career advice you've ever received?
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Why this works
Distilled wisdom that shaped their success—often memorable and actionable.
19How can I be helpful to you?
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How can I be helpful to you?
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Why this works
Networking is reciprocal; offering value makes the connection meaningful for both.
20Would it be okay to follow up with you in a few months?
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Would it be okay to follow up with you in a few months?
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Why this works
Establishes permission for ongoing relationship rather than one-off transaction.
How to Use These Questions
Expert tips and techniques for getting the most out of these questions.
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