to learn about your connections and to grow your network
When you go out and network, don’t just wing the conversation. Plan ahead and consider the structure of the meeting.
How could you ask thoughtful, strategic questions?
Your questions will set the tone for what your intentions are for the meeting. They should communicate that you want to learn, grow, and build a professional relationship. Good questions take the conversation deeper—beyond the superficial information.
What you ask should be as much about making a good impression as it is about gathering information. Convey how you think and how you manage your career.
And when you get to the end of the conversation, the right kind of final questions can help solidify this contact as a valuable part of your network. This can lead to them giving you referrals to other worthwhile connections.
Here are a number of questions that you can and should ask in a networking meeting. Progress through these questions sequentially as they build up to the final questions. Aim to ask 3-5 questions total based on available time and follow your contact’s lead to have a natural, dynamic dialog.
Questions about industry and profession
What’s something exciting happening in your field or company that most people don’t know about yet? Such as AI?
This question positions your contact as an insider or expert. It gives them a chance to share knowledge that many may not have. Plus it signals that you’re thinking ahead and not just stuck in the present. It also gives perspective on industry trends.
How has this industry or this role changed over the course of your career?
This is a good question if the contact has had a long career in an industry or role. It signals that you appreciate their experience and want to learn how things have evolved over time which also helps you future-proof your own path.
Alternatives
- What’s a misconception people have about this role or industry?
- What’s been the most surprising or unexpected lesson you’ve learned in your role/company/field?
- Is there anything emerging in this role or industry you don’t agree with?
Questions about their professional journey
What experiences or skills made the biggest difference in your growth from early career to mid-level to senior roles?
This question shows you’re thinking long term and not just about your next move. It invites them to reflect on patterns of development that made the biggest difference at each stage.
What’s a skill or mindset shift that helped you the most in your career, but isn’t talked about enough?
This question invites unconventional wisdom and not generic advice. It also shows that you’re actively looking to level up in ways that aren’t obvious, signaling self-awareness and depth.
Alternatives
- Who’s been a major influence in your career, and what’s the best lesson they’ve taught you?
- Were there any turning points in your career that shifted your trajectory significantly?
- What keeps you motivated in your role now? How do you keep growing?
Questions seeking career advice
If someone wanted to invest and grow in this career field, what would you suggest they do in the next 6 months?
This signals ambition and drive. You’re asking how to take focused, strategic action. And it gives them a chance to share high-impact, real-world advice that may not be obvious to beginners.
How do you evaluate whether a new opportunity or direction is worth pursuing?
This frames you as someone who thinks critically about your career. Not just passively waiting for the next thing. It opens the door to learn how a more experienced person weighs pros and cons and navigates ambiguity.
Alternatives
- What’s a decision you made that looked risky at the time but paid off in hindsight?
- When you think about high performers in your field, what do they consistently do differently?
- Looking back, what do you wish you had done earlier in your career that made a big difference later on?
Beyond the meeting
Based on our conversation and my goals, who are one or two people you’d recommend I connect with next?
This makes it easy for them to offer a warm intro without pressure. And shows that you’re eager to continue learning in pursuit of your goals.
If you were in my position, who would you want to talk to next?
This question may elicit appreciation for your journey. It puts them in your shoes and invites guidance, which often leads naturally to a name (or two.)
Alternatives
- I really appreciate your perspective. Is there anyone else you’d recommend I talk to as I explore this space more?
- Is there someone in your network who’s particularly strong in [specific area] that you think I could learn from?
- Are there any communities, groups, or people you’d suggest I plug into to expand my perspective?
Additional questions
How did you learn to advocate for yourself or negotiate at different stages of your career?
How do people in your field typically break into the next level? Is it more about results, visibility, relationships, or something else?
What’s been the legacy of your career so far?
If you could do it all again, what would you do the same and what would you do differently?
What’s a piece of career advice you didn’t fully understand until you experienced it yourself?
End with a plan
At the end of your meeting be sure to express appreciation for their time and their insight. To keep them as a valuable member of your growing network, ask if you can keep in touch. Make a plan to touch base about every 3 months with news, updates, or inquiry about their work. And be sure to keep this contact informed of your progress in the job search as you continue to meet new contacts, especially ones they introduced to you.
Wrap-up
What these contacts share with you during your meeting will give you invaluable insight that will likely have an impact on your job search, career, and networking journey. Over time you’ll find your favorites and hopefully add new ones to your collection.
Good luck!