Networking Conversation Starters to Spark Your Career Growth

Inside: Networking conversation starters that DO NOT include “Can I pick your brain?” Alternatives that work much better!

Have you ever emailed a new contact or a stranger saying, “Can I pick your brain?”

If so, you aren’t alone. It’s a super common phrase.

But let’s be honest, there’s something about the phrase that is a little yuck.

“Picking someone’s brain” doesn’t really show that you’re valuing that person’s time. You just want to take it! It’s also kind of a weird visual, if we’re being honest.

So let’s swap out one of the most common networking conversation starters with some that work a whole lot better to help you open new doors of opportunity and learn valuable information to grow your career.

Networking Conversation Starters – Open Up the Conversation

To get your networking conversation started, you need to open the door to the conversation by clearly telling someone the WHAT and the WHY. What do you want to talk about and why do you want to talk to THEM specifically.

For someone you know well:

If you already know someone well (friend or family member), then reaching out for a career conversation can be pretty easy! But it can still feel a bit awkward if you’ve never talked shop bere.

Try one of these conversation starters to show your friend or family member that you value their time and would welcome their advice.

“I know we haven’t talked much about our careers in the past, but I’m looking to make a career change and would appreciate your advice if you have a few minutes to chat.”

“Based on your experience in XYZ, I would value your perspective on (insert related topic/question).”

“I would love to learn more about your career path in XYZ industry/function as I think about making a change. Can we chat?”

For someone you are introduced to:

Let’s say a friend or family member introduces you to someone in their network.

First off – that’s awesome! Introductions are a great way to go to snowball your networking efforts.

Second, let’s make sure you have some networking conversation starters in your pocket for these interactions so you put your best foot forward (on your behalf and on behalf of the person who introduced you).

“(Name) shared with me a bit about your career background. I’m impressed by your experience in XYZ. Can I ask for your perspective on (insert related topic)?

“I am so glad that (name) introduced us. You have a fascinating background in XYZ and I am looking to use my experience in ABC within the field. If you’re open to it, I’d love to ask you a few questions about your career path.”

For cold outreach:

So what happens if the person you want to talk to is a few more steps removed? There is someone at your dream company you would love to connect with but you don’t know them personally and can’t get an introduction. Do you skip networking with this persona altogether? NOPE.

Here are some networking conversation starters to invite conversation with someone you don’t know. Try these in an email or LinkedIn connection request before asking for a phone call.

“I came across your profile on LinkedIn when researching XYZ company. I saw that you also made a career pivot from X to Y industry/sector/company like I am currently exploring. Would love to connect!”

“As a fellow (insert function/title), I enjoyed reading your article on XYZ especially your point of view on ABC topic. I’m curious about your perspective on (related topic) – would you be open to connecting?”

Do you need some practice in a safe space? Send me a LinkedIn connection request!

Networking Conversation Starters – Keep the Conversation Going

Now that someone has said YES to your networking conversation request – more scripts and templates available here – make sure to have your list of questions ready. In this conversation, you are in listener mode – soaking in information that will help you learn about an industry/company/function to see if it’s a fit AND how to position yourself well for an open role.

However, remember this isn’t an interrogation – it’s a conversation! Come with a mindset to both learn AND build a relationship by being your authentic self.

Sample Networking Conversation Questions:

Try some of these questions to get started, remembering to start with questions that focus on the person. Instead of diving right into “tell me about your company,” valuing the person as an individual and appreciating their story builds connection and confidence. We all like feeling accomplished and helpful!

“I would love to learn more about what drew you to this industry/function/company.”

“What projects are you working on now that you’re particularly excited about?”

“I was excited to see what we had XYZ in common (college major/career background). How has that helped you in this industry/function/company?”

“If you were to make the same transition again, what advice would you give yourself as you approached the job search?”