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Hi networkers,
We’re well into September so if you haven't already noticed, recruitment season is at an all-time high.
Which is why it’s a perfect time to jump into our next topic, networking.
Because it’s not so much about who knows you, but who remembers you.
And to be memorable, it’s all about asking interesting, thought-provoking questions.
🏁 Here’s the route for this week’s run:
🎙️ Topic: Avoid Awkward Conversations
📝 5 Effective Networking Questions
📍Checkpoints: Networking Events to Stop By
TOPIC
Avoid Awkward Conversations
We’ve probably all been there.
You asked them all your questions, aaand shoot there’s still 20 min left.
No one likes loud silence. To avoid that, you have to be able to build upon what the other person is saying.
Did they say something relatable? Reply with your own experience! It doesn’t have to be you asking question after question until the timer’s up.
Now that I’ve done well over 100 chats, I don’t prep for them anymore. Sure I still research their background, but I don’t plan a list of questions like I used to.
After so many chats, the questions more or less pop into my head throughout the conversation.
Which is great because it creates that casual feel, (kinda like when you’re chatting away with a close friend)
Last week, I networked with one of my seniors at work and although it was for 30 minutes, we ended up talking for 2 hours!
That “casual feeling” I mentioned turned our chat into a genuinely fun conversation and time flew by before we knew it.
On the other hand, what got me there was coming up with interesting questions.
That’s why I included 4 questions below that you can use to have a great chat and avoid any awkward silence. (I still always ask these as well)
Actionable Step
This week, attend 1 networking event, and use at least 3 of the 4 questions, see how it goes! 👍
Have fun!
-Michael
TIP/TOOL OF THE WEEK
4 Effective Networking Questions
1. What do/did you study for your undergraduate and how did that lead you to where you are today?
Lets you lead off with a bunch of other questions. Like why they chose their study, or, if their study is unrelated to their career, why they made the shift.
2. What’s one of the single best career advice you’ve ever gotten?
Makes the chat fun! You can also follow up by asking them the worst advice they’ve ever heard.
3. What’s an example of a recent project you worked on that you found interesting?
This one’s a win-win, you learn more about their role and people generally enjoy talking about themselves.
4. What are your thoughts on…? - (ask a controversial field-related topic)
Ever asked a question that made the person pause and go “Huh, that’s a good question.”? This is one of those.
For example, in my work, product management (PM), it’s controversial whether PMs need a technical background.
Networking Events To Stop By
📍Checkpoints📍
CMA NXT - Marketing Careers Night
Time: Sept 20, 5:00 - 6:30 pm EST (Virtual)
For: Students and new marketers to get a better understanding of all the different directions they can take in marketing and what a day in the life looks like as a marketing professional.
Insurance Institute Of Canada – Coffee Chats:
Discovering Global Banking and Markets at Scotiabank
Labatt Canada: TECH X TALK
Time: Sept 26, 11:00 - 12:00 pm EST (Virtual)
For: 2024 tech internships working behind some of Canada’s most iconic beverage brands, including Corona, Stella Artois, NÜTRL, and many more.
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